Accident Summary
On March 11, 2018, about 1908 eastern daylight time, an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2, registration N350LH, experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot executed an autorotative descent and ditched the helicopter on the East River in New York, New York. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The five passengers drowned, and the helicopter was substantially damaged.
Flight Information
The flight was operated by Liberty Helicopters Inc. under a contractual agreement with NYONair and was marketed under the FlyNYON brand. Both companies considered the flight to be an aerial photography flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. However, the Federal Aviation Administration determined during the investigation that Liberty operated the flight as a nonstop commercial air tour under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual flight rules weather conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the intended 30-minute local flight. The flight departed from Helo Kearny Heliport, Kearny, New Jersey, about 1850.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2, serial number not specified in the source. The helicopter was equipped with a single engine. Further details about the aircraft's maintenance history or configuration are not available from the source.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted the investigation. The full report is available as NTSB/AAR-19/04. The investigation focused on the loss of engine power and the subsequent ditching. The probable cause has not been stated in the source.