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NTSB Report
April 18, 1986 · Enstrom F-280C · N51721
Ridgefield, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ridgefield, NJ
Aircraft
Enstrom F-280C
Tail Number
N51721
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC86LA107
SECONDS AFTER AN OVER-WATER TAKEOFF FROM A SHORELINE HELIPAD THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER AND SANK. THE PILOT AND PAX ESCAPED FROM THE SUBMERGED ACFT AND WERE NOT INJURED. THE PILOT CLAIMED THAT HE HAD A SPLIT NEEDLE IN WHICH THE ROTOR RPM DETERIORATED. THE PAX STATED THAT THE PILOT WAS IN A HURRY AND LIFTED LESS THAN 10 FEET BEFORE TURNING AND TAKING OFF OVER THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE CLUTCH AND DRIVE BELT ASSEMBLY DID NOT REVEAL ANY DISCREPENCIES.
Full Narrative
SECONDS AFTER AN OVER-WATER TAKEOFF FROM A SHORELINE HELIPAD THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER AND SANK. THE PILOT AND PAX ESCAPED FROM THE SUBMERGED ACFT AND WERE NOT INJURED. THE PILOT CLAIMED THAT HE HAD A SPLIT NEEDLE IN WHICH THE ROTOR RPM DETERIORATED. THE PAX STATED THAT THE PILOT WAS IN A HURRY AND LIFTED LESS THAN 10 FEET BEFORE TURNING AND TAKING OFF OVER THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE CLUTCH AND DRIVE BELT ASSEMBLY DID NOT REVEAL ANY DISCREPENCIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:28 EST
Nearest AirportLambros Heliport (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEnstrom F-280C
Tail NumberN51721
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HI0-360-E-1AD · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 15 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingUnknown 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO