Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot not maintaining aircraft control while manuevering.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The non-helicopter rated pilot was maneuvering and the aircraft descended and impacted the terrain. The pilot reported, "Did a number of approaches and hovers. On last one, aircraft seemed to accelerate with power to the ground." The pilot reported, on the NTSB accident form, there was no mechanical malfunction or failure. According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the pilot's last aviation medical examination was performed on September 25, 1991.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 12, 2003, at 2123 central daylight time, an Enstrom F-28A helicopter, N26HW, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with terrain near Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The solo/instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot did not report any injuries. The flight departed the Anoka County Airport (ANE), Minneapolis, Minnesota, at approximately 1830. The pilot reported, "Departed ANE for training flight. Did a number of approaches and hovers. On last one, aircraft seemed to accelerate with power to the ground." The pilot reported, on the NTSB accident form, there was no mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot holds a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single engine land, airplane single engine sea, airplane multiengine land, free balloon, and instrument airplane ratings. According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the pilot's last aviation medical examination was performed on September 25, 1991.