# NTSB Accident LAX97FA086
> **Enstrom F28A** · 1997-01-12 · SAIPAN ISLAND, CQ · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97FA086
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07309
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-01-12
- **Location:** SAIPAN ISLAND, CQ
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 5
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Enstrom
- **Model:** F28A
- **Registration:** N9087
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, resulting from improper planning/decision; and the pilot's abrupt handling of the flight controls, while maneuvering to avoid swimmers, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tail boom.  A related factor was: the presence of swimmers in the emergency landing area, which likely motivated the pilot to alter his approach for a forced/autorotative landing.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97FA086) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*