Enstrom 280FX Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 21 events recorded from 1988 to 2025.

21

All Events

13

Incidents

2

Minor

3

Serious

3

Fatal (6 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 27, 2024 Russellville, KY N280D Incident substantial
The flight instructor’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm while maneuvering the helicopter low to the ground, which resulted in a loss of contr…

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm while maneuvering the helicopter low to the ground, which resulted in a loss of control.

Feb 15, 2024 Lewistown, MT N899JS Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low light conditions and snow-cove…

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low light conditions and snow-covered terrain.

Aug 25, 2021 Llanfachreth, OF G-OJBB Incident substantial Investigation pending
Apr 20, 2009 Dacono, CO N409LH Incident substantial A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Mar 19, 2009 Wendover, UT N280AD Incident substantial
A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from an inadequate preflight inspection by both pilots and their failure to ensure that …

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from an inadequate preflight inspection by both pilots and their failure to ensure that adequate fuel was on board for the flight. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.

Aug 06, 2008 Aurora, CO N285SH Incident substantial
The pilot's improper planning and decision making resulting in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the p…

The pilot's improper planning and decision making resulting in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's premature application of collective resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage.

Jun 11, 2007 Taylorsville, KY N93GP Incident substantial The pilot's improper prefight inspection of the helicopter.
Mar 02, 2003 Ruston, LA N383MA Incident substantial The separation of the upper tail cone as a result of a fractured bolt due to fatigue.
Apr 29, 2002 Alsatia, LA N383MA Incident substantial The main rotor contact to the tail boom resulting from the pilot leaving the helicopter unattended while the rotors were engaged.
Aug 08, 2001 OURAY, CO N724BF Incident substantial
the partial loss of engine power due to the slippage of the wastegate linkage as a result of the plunger on the linkage being undertorqued by an unkno…

the partial loss of engine power due to the slippage of the wastegate linkage as a result of the plunger on the linkage being undertorqued by an unknown person. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced 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)
Oct 01, 1989 BERLIN, NY N413DB Incident substantial LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.
Jul 16, 1988 MENOMINEE, MI N280FX Incident 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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