What happened
On March 4, 2009, at 11:48 Atlantic standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N83086, was conducting a local sightseeing flight near Phillipsburg, Saint Maarten, when the pilot experienced a loss of altitude. During maneuvers, the pilot observed a simultaneous decrease in both engine and rotor RPM, and the "engine out" caution light illuminated.
In response to the power loss, the pilot entered an autorotation and directed the aircraft toward the beach. Upon approaching the landing site, the pilot determined the beach was too crowded and chose to land in the water instead. The helicopter landed upright in shallow water, though the aircraft was later overturned by the surf. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
Visual meteorological conditions were present at the time of the accident, with a visibility of 6 statute miles and winds from 130 degrees at 10 knots.