Enstrom 280 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 86 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 28, 2025 | Hammonton, NJ | N280MG | Fatal (2) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Jun 24, 2020 | Hayden, ID | N280MM | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The total loss of power while maneuvering at low altitude due to the detonation of two engine cylinders and damaged spark plugs. |
| Oct 25, 2019 | Jordan Valley, OR | N280F | Fatal (1) | substantial |
A partial loss of engine power due to a worn engine air induction hose, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accide…A partial loss of engine power due to a worn engine air induction hose, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel to adequately inspect the hose, and the pilot’s decision to fly the helicopter at a speed and altitude that provided limited time to enter and establish an autorotation following the loss of power. |
| Jan 26, 2015 | Erie, CO | N86235 | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
An in-flight failure of the helicopter's #2 main rotor spindle due to undetected fatigue cracking, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributin…An in-flight failure of the helicopter's #2 main rotor spindle due to undetected fatigue cracking, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to failure were the nonconforming thread root radius of the spindle and the manufacturer's failure to include a bending moment within the spindle threads when performing the fatigue analysis during initial design of the spindle. |
| Apr 05, 2014 | Kirchham, Austria, AU | G-OJMF | Fatal (1) | destroyed | <br /><br /> |
| Oct 12, 2013 | Wolica Kozia, PL | SP-GMB | Fatal (2) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Nov 22, 2001 | Tallassee, AL | N280XF | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The failure of the pilot to maintain a safe altitude above terrain and maintain a visual lookout resulting in the helicopter colliding with power tran…The failure of the pilot to maintain a safe altitude above terrain and maintain a visual lookout resulting in the helicopter colliding with power transmission lines and crashing into a river. A factor in the accident was the power transmission lines not being marked. |
| Oct 06, 1995 | QUAKERTOWN, PA | N976BT | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
improper installation of the magneto by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the loss of ignition and the loss of engine power. A factor relating…improper installation of the magneto by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the loss of ignition and the loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing. |
| Jun 07, 1992 | SUMMERVILLE, SC | N86262 | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO IMC, WHICH RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTORS WERE THE OBSCURED SKY AND FOGGY WEATHER CONDITIO…THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO IMC, WHICH RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTORS WERE THE OBSCURED SKY AND FOGGY WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE NIGHT LIGHTING CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. |
| Dec 11, 1986 | NEWPORT, RI | N647H | Fatal (1) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Mar 01, 1986 | ONTARIO, CA | N5694R | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Oct 28, 1984 | BUTLER, PA | N51686 | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Feb 29, 1984 | MIDDLETON, ID | N51715 | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| May 28, 1983 | OPELOUSAS, LA | N56932 | Fatal (1) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Dec 17, 1982 | NORTH PLAINS, OR | N5686Z | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |