Lost Engine Power And Settled With The Right Skid On The Platform And The Helicopter Rolled To The Left Resulting In The Rotor Blades Contacting The Ground

Location: Port Lavaca, TX Accident Number: CEN24LA137
Date & Time: March 16, 2024, 16:45 Local Registration: N280WR
Aircraft: Enstrom Helicopter Corp 280C Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 16, 2024, about 1645 central daylight time, an Enstrom 280C Helicopter, N280WR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Port Lavaca, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he was repositioning the helicopter from his front yard to a moveable landing platform. While he was hovering over the platform the helicopter lost engine power and settled with the right skid on the platform and the helicopter rolled to the left resulting in the rotor blades contacting the ground. During the accident sequence, the main rotor, tail rotor, tail boom and stabilizers were substantially damaged.

The helicopter was recovered to a secure location. A post-accident examination is planned.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov