Probable cause
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.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departed in his recently-purchased helicopter and planned to climb to an altitude of 2,000 ft mean sea level (msl). As the helicopter climbed through 1,500 ft msl, the pilot felt an abrupt right yaw and observed the engine rpm drop to zero. The rotor rpm began to decay, and the pilot conducted an autorotation to a dry riverbed, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. Neither postaccident examination of the helicopter nor a test run of the engine revealed any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA057 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 25, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Enstrom 280
- N-number
- N133AB
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.