How many accidents has the Enstrom 280 had?

The NTSB has recorded 86 events involving the Enstrom 280: 15 fatal, 12 serious, 11 minor injuries, and 46 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Enstrom 280 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Enstrom 280 has 86 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Enstrom 280 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 86 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (25 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Jun 05, 1994	CALIFORNIA CITY, CA	N123MT	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the helicopter.
Jun 09, 1993	GLEN MILLS, PA	N51739	Incident	substantial	AN IMPROPERLY PLANNED APPROACH IN WHICH THE FLARE WAS NOT ATTAINED, AND WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING.
May 30, 1992	WENATCHEE, WA	N86239	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: OBJECT (FENCE POST) AND WINDSHIELD DIRTY (FOGGY)
Apr 14, 1992	IRON MOUNTAIN, MI	N51782	Incident	substantial	THE PRESENCE OF WATER IN THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM.
Apr 11, 1992	MOUNT VERNON, WA	N377JD	Incident	substantial	A HARD LANDING BY THE PILOT, AFTER A POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.
Apr 22, 1990	THORNTON, PA	N493H	Incident	substantial	FAILURE TO ATTAIN A PROPER CLIMB RATE AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A CONFINED AREA. FACTORS INCLUDE GUSTY WINDS AND HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS.
Oct 01, 1989	BERLIN, NY	N413DB	Incident	substantial	LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.
Aug 16, 1989	MILBRIDGE, ME	N89JD	Incident	substantial	FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 3 INTAKE VALVE OUTER SPRING. THE WATER (RIVER) IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Jul 19, 1988	GLENDIVE, MT	N111CD	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 16, 1988	MENOMINEE, MI	N280FX	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Mar 27, 1988	FREMONT, CA	N5692P	Incident	substantial	FAILURE OF THE ENGINE TO MAIN ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM DUE TO A DRIVE BELT SLIPPAGE CAUSED BY A DRIVE PULLEY WORN BEYOND ITS SERVICE LIMIT. CONTRIBUTING TO … FAILURE OF THE ENGINE TO MAIN ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM DUE TO A DRIVE BELT SLIPPAGE CAUSED BY A DRIVE PULLEY WORN BEYOND ITS SERVICE LIMIT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INADEQUATE FACTORY MAINTENANCE MANUALS WHICH DID NOT PROVIDE THE SERVICEABLE LIMITS FOR THE DRIVE BELT PULLEYS.
Jul 21, 1985	MILFORD, MI	N556H	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 09, 1985	S.WOODSTOCK, VT	N5694Y	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Aug 29, 1984	BLUFFDALE, UT	N4992M	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Oct 09, 1983	PORTLAND, OR	N222NT	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Aug 25, 1983	N. HAILEY, ID	N999TP	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 17, 1983	FRISCO, TX	N51738	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 29, 1982	SPRING GREEN, WI	N5698M	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 07, 1982	STEAMBOAT SPRIN, CO	N5693R	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 26, 1982	GRANGER, WY	N629H	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jan 02, 1982	MIDWAY, UT	N51735	Incident	destroyed	Investigation pending

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.

← Enstrom 280 For Sale All Enstrom Models

Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data

Enstrom 280 Safety Record

Report an Issue