On April 27, 1986, an Enstrom F-28C (registration N60PB) was involved in an aviation accident near Ridgefield Park, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power during flight over water following departure from a helipad after previous aborted takeoffs due to weight imbalance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter departed a waterfront helipad after correcting weight imbalance issues, but lost engine power over the water. The pilot attempted to return but the aircraft sank; both occupants escaped uninjured.
What happened
The pilot had previously attempted to depart from a waterfront helipad twice but aborted those efforts due to a weight imbalance and a split fuel needle indication. After correcting these conditions, the helicopter successfully departed the helipad. As the aircraft moved over the water, the pilot observed a loss of engine power. He attempted to return to the helipad, but rotor RPM continued to decay. The helicopter settled into the water and sank. Both the pilot and passenger escaped without injury.
Findings
The initial takeoff attempts were aborted due to weight imbalance and instrument anomalies. The subsequent flight failure was caused by a sudden loss of engine power. Despite the aircraft sinking, all occupants evacuated safely.
Probable cause
Loss of engine power during flight over water following departure from a helipad after previous aborted takeoffs due to weight imbalance.
What happened in the 27 Apr 1986 Enstrom F-28C accident near Ridgefield Park, NJ?
A helicopter departed a waterfront helipad after correcting weight imbalance issues, but lost engine power over the water. The pilot attempted to return but the aircraft sank; both occupants escaped uninjured.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Apr 1986 Enstrom F-28C accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Apr 1986 involved an Enstrom F-28C, registration N60PB, at Ridgefield Park, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of engine power during flight over water following departure from a helipad after previous aborted takeoffs due to weight imbalance.
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