Enstrom 280 Aircraft in California
California's diverse terrain (coastal, high-desert, mountain) makes it a strong test market for high-performance and turbocharged aircraft. Significant GA infrastructure spans LA Basin, SF Bay Area, San Diego and Central Valley. Coastal flying demands attention to corrosion; mountain flying needs hot-and-high training.
2 used Enstrom 280 aircraft for sale in California · $160K – $185K · updated 5 hours ago
About the Enstrom 280
The Enstrom 280 (the "Shark") and its F28 sibling are three-seat piston helicopters known for exceptional stability and a strong, fully-articulated rotor system that gives a smooth, forgiving ride. Powered by a Lycoming piston (turbocharged on several variants), the 280 is a rugged, lower-cost light helicopter favoured for private flying and training where stability and build quality matter.
Enstrom 280 Specifications
Model specThe Enstrom 280 is a aircraft with a cruise speed of 95 kt (176 km/h), a range of 237–260 nm (439–482 km), and a useful load of 930 lbs (422 kg).
2 Enstrom 280 For Sale
There are currently 2 used Enstrom 280 for sale, ranging from $160,000 to $185,000, with a median asking price of $172,500.
Enstrom 280 Variants
Compare Enstrom 280
See how the Enstrom 280 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Enstrom 280 Price & Cost
How much does a Enstrom 280 cost? Used 280 prices: $160K – $185K, average $172K (median $172K), across 2 priced of 2 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Enstrom 280
When buying a Enstrom 280, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.
What to check before buying
- Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
- Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Enstrom 280
Cost?
Enstrom 280 vs Robinson R44?
Enstrom 280 Inventory by Country
| United States | 8 |
| Slovenia | 2 |
| Spain | 1 |
| Guatemala | 1 |
Enstrom 280 Inventory by State
| California | 2 |
| Florida | 2 |
Enstrom 280 by Price
| Under $100k | 1 |
| Under $200k | 10 |
| Under $300k | 12 |
| Under $500k | 13 |
Recently Sold Enstrom 280
| 1978 280C SHARK | $130,000 |
| 1997 280FX SHARK | $209,000 |
Enstrom 280 Safety Record
Across all 280 variants, 86 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 28, 2025 | Hammonton, NJ | Fatal (2) | — |
| Mar 15, 2025 | Waterford, CA | Serious | The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude. |
| Jul 27, 2024 | Russellville, KY | Incident | The flight instructor’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm while maneuvering the helicopter low to the ground, whi… |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Lewistown, MT | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low … |
| Dec 01, 2023 | Madrid, | Incident | — |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Enstrom 280 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.