Enstrom 280FX — registry & accident history
Compiled from FAA & NTSB records · as of Jul 24, 2026
There are 105 Enstrom 280FX airframes on record (built 1985–2021), 55 currently registered. 10 have one or more NTSB accident records (12 records total, 2 with a fatal highest-injury classification). Data as of Jul 24, 2026.
Recent Enstrom 280FX accidents
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude.
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.
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.
An in-flight fire originating in the engine compartment near the turbocharger from a source that could not be determined, which resulted in a loss of engine power and led to an autorotation and a hard landing.
The partial loss of rotor and engine speed during approach for landing, which resulted in an autorotation and impact with terrain. The reason for the partial loss of rotor and engine speed could not be determined based on the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper execution of the autorotation.
The total loss of power while maneuvering at low altitude due to the detonation of two engine cylinders and damaged spark plugs.
An in-flight failure of the helicopter's #2 main rotor spindle due to undetected fatigue cracking, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to failure were the nonconforming thread root radius of the spindle and the manufacturer's failure to include a bending moment within the spindle threads when performing the fatigue analysis during initial design of the spindle.
The loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.