Enstrom 280 Safety Record

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

86

All Events

46

Incidents

11

Minor

12

Serious

15

Fatal (25 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Mar 15, 2025 Waterford, CA N402TA Serious (1) destroyed The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude.
Jul 30, 2021 Colchester, VT N36DK Serious (1) destroyed
An in-flight fire originating in the engine compartment near the turbocharger from a source that could not be determined, which resulted in a loss of …

An in-flight fire originating in the engine compartment near the turbocharger from a source that could not be determined, which resulted in a loss of engine power and led to an autorotation and a hard landing.

Sep 03, 2011 Heber City, UT N280AD Serious (3) substantial
The pilot’s failure to ensure that there was sufficient fuel onboard to conduct the flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhau…

The pilot’s failure to ensure that there was sufficient fuel onboard to conduct the flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the severity of the passengers’ injuries was the operator’s failure to provide adequate restraints for the passengers.

Mar 04, 2010 Goshen, IN N327TB Serious (1) substantial
The inadequate preflight inspection by both pilots, resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the d…

The inadequate preflight inspection by both pilots, resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the disconnected fuel tank sending unit.

Aug 12, 2005 Saulsville, WV N5691B Serious (1) substantial The pilot's inadequate remedial action following a loss of control during the landing approach.
Jun 15, 2003 West Branch, MI N5695D Serious (1) substantial The loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the connecting rod cap. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain the pilot encountered.
Aug 25, 2002 COOPERSVILLE, MI N51689 Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the transmission wires. Additional factors were the transmission wires and the sunglare.
May 21, 1997 CLARKSBURG, NJ N613LG Serious (1) The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the hangar.
Feb 19, 1997 LUCASVILLE, OH N51662 Serious (1) substantial The pilot in command failure to maintain rotor rpm.
Sep 26, 1987 BOUNTIFUL, UT N5692D Serious (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Sep 21, 1983 PONTIAC, MI N5692L Serious (2) substantial Investigation pending
Jun 05, 1982 RAYLAND, OH N239Q Serious (1) 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.
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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data