What happened
On March 11, 2018, at approximately 1908 EDT, an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2, registration N350LH, experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The aircraft was performing an aerial photography flight over New York, New York, following a departure from Helo Kearny Heliport in Kearny, New Jersey, at approximately 1850.
Upon the loss of power, the pilot executed an autorotative descent and ditched the helicopter in the East River. The accident resulted in 5 fatal injuries, as the five passengers drowned, and 1 minor injury to the pilot. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were visual flight rules (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 330 degrees at 07 knots. No flight plan had been filed for the 30-minute local flight.
Findings
Investigation revealed that the engine power loss was caused by a passenger harness/tether system provided by NYONair. This system caught on and activated the floor-mounted engine fuel shutoff lever during flight. The investigation also noted that the emergency flotation system partially inflated, causing the helicopter to capsize rapidly. Additionally, the use of the harness/tether system hindered the ability of passengers to exit the aircraft.