Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Leads to Ditching in Hudson River (N2759M)

Yonkers, NY, US

On January 2, 2006, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2759M) operated by Kenmarson Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Yonkers, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a ditching. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 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 private pilot and flight instructor experienced a total loss of engine power over the Hudson River near the George Washington Bridge. The flight instructor ditched the airplane after an unsuccessful restart attempt. The wreckage has not been located.

Summary

A private pilot and flight instructor were conducting a flight in the visual flight rules (VFR) corridor along the Hudson River. The airplane was in cruise flight at about 900 feet above ground level, traveling north over the river. Near the George Washington Bridge, the engine suddenly sputtered and lost all power. The pilots did not hear any mechanical binding, and the propeller continued to turn while the engine sputtered. The flight instructor transmitted a distress signal and took control of the airplane. An attempt to restart the engine was unsuccessful, and the flight instructor ditched the airplane in the Hudson River.

Aircraft Information

Prior to takeoff, the private pilot had the airplane completely fueled. The airplane had undergone a 100-hour inspection about 45 days before the accident. At that time, the airplane had accumulated 4,939 hours of operation.

Investigation Status

As of the publication date of this report, the wreckage had not been located. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other details has been provided.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jan 2006 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Yonkers, NY?

A private pilot and flight instructor experienced a total loss of engine power over the Hudson River near the George Washington Bridge. The flight instructor ditched the airplane after an unsuccessful restart attempt. The wreckage has not been located.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jan 2006 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2759M, operated by Kenmarson Aero Club, at Yonkers, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a ditching.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060110X00041. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.