1 fatality

Coast Guard Helicopter Crew Observes Aircraft Crash into Water (N3462M)

Cape May, NJ, US

On August 9, 1985, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N3462M) operated by Southern Jersey Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Cape May, NJ. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Coast Guard helicopter crew witnessed an aircraft pitch down steeply and collide with the water. The fatally injured pilot and debris were recovered, but the main wreckage remains missing.

Incident Overview

A crew aboard a Coast Guard helicopter observed an aircraft flying at approximately 1,500 feet above the water. According to the crew, the aircraft suddenly pitched down into a 60- to 70-degree nose-low attitude and subsequently collided with the water.

Response and Search

The Coast Guard helicopter immediately flew to the accident site. However, upon arrival, the downed aircraft was not visible from the air. Later, the fatally injured pilot and debris from the aircraft were found, but the main wreckage was not located.

Investigation Status

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation. No additional details about the aircraft type, operator, or exact location have been released. The cause of the crash has not been determined.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 1985 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Cape May, NJ?

A Coast Guard helicopter crew witnessed an aircraft pitch down steeply and collide with the water. The fatally injured pilot and debris were recovered, but the main wreckage remains missing.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Aug 1985 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 1985 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N3462M, operated by Southern Jersey Aviation, at Cape May, NJ.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37603. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.