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
Jul 04, 2020	Des Moines, IA	N282SH	Minor	destroyed	The partial loss of rotor and engine speed during approach for landing, which resulted in an autorotation and impact with terrain. The reason for the … The partial loss of rotor and engine speed during approach for landing, which resulted in an autorotation and impact with terrain. The reason for the partial loss of rotor and engine speed could not be determined based on the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper execution of the autorotation.
Jan 25, 2016	Phoenix, AZ	N133AB	Minor	substantial	A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that… A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Dec 08, 2014	Fort Lupton, CO	N409LH	Minor	substantial	The loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Apr 03, 2012	Corpus Christi, TX	N3042D	Minor	substantial	The failure of the bolt that retained the clutch drive rod end, which resulted in a loss of main rotor drive and a subsequent hard landing.
Jul 15, 2006	Danville, WV	N5691B	Minor	substantial	A partial failure of the override clutch assembly. A contributing factor to the accident was the manufacturer's inadequate inspection procedures of th… A partial failure of the override clutch assembly. A contributing factor to the accident was the manufacturer's inadequate inspection procedures of the override clutch assembly following a tail rotor strike.
Dec 30, 2004	Pedricktown, NJ	N175BM	Minor	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the takeoff and his failure to flare during the autorotation.
Jun 17, 2000	RUIDOSO, NM	N440RB	Minor	substantial	the loss of engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack … the loss of engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the model of helicopter.
May 17, 1989	COLORADO SPGS, CO	N624H	Minor	substantial	INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT. THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND WIND CONDITIONS WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
Jun 28, 1983	KENT, WA	N652H	Minor	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 02, 1983	NEW MARKET, NH	N587H	Minor	substantial	Investigation pending
May 24, 1983	GOSHEN, CA	N51763	Minor	substantial	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.

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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data

Enstrom 280 Safety Record

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