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Helicopter Enters River After Pilot Misjudges Wind Direction During Takeoff (N16664)

New York City, NY, US

On February 10, 1990, a Bell 206L (registration N16664) operated by Island Helicopter was involved in an aviation accident near New York City, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to correctly assess wind direction during takeoff, which resulted in a tailwind departure and subsequent loss of control over water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter pilot misidentified wind direction during takeoff, resulting in a tailwind departure. The aircraft settled nose-low over water and entered the river due to loss of control.

What happened

The helicopter lifted off from the helipad and executed a left pedal turn. During the initial phase of flight, the pilot assessed the wind conditions, believing the breeze was coming from the southwest. This assessment led the pilot to anticipate a crosswind takeoff profile. However, the actual atmospheric conditions involved a tailwind.

As the aircraft reached the end of the heliport platform, it was flying at a slow airspeed over water. Under these conditions, the helicopter settled into a nose-low attitude. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent rate. Consequently, the helicopter descended into the river below.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to correctly assess wind direction during takeoff, which resulted in a tailwind departure and subsequent loss of control over water.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 1990 Bell 206L accident near New York City, NY?

A helicopter pilot misidentified wind direction during takeoff, resulting in a tailwind departure. The aircraft settled nose-low over water and entered the river due to loss of control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 1990 involved a Bell 206L, registration N16664, operated by Island Helicopter, at New York City, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to correctly assess wind direction during takeoff, which resulted in a tailwind departure and subsequent loss of control over water.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22620. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.