Probable cause
The total loss of engine power due to the failure of a connecting rod for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination.
NTSB analysis
The pilot had just taken off in the helicopter when the pilot and the flight instructor heard a loud “bang,” and the engine lost total power. The flight instructor took control of the helicopter and initiated an autorotation to available terrain from a low altitude; however, when the helicopter touched down, it encountered a rut and rolled over on its right side. The main rotor blades were destroyed, and the tail boom was severed. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a connecting rod had failed. The reason the connecting rod failed could not be determined during postaccident examination.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA360 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 19, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Danbury, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Enstrom F-28A
- N-number
- N485PM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.