# NTSB NYC86LA107: Enstrom F-280C, N51721, Ridgefield, NJ, April 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 18, 1986, 06:28 local (10:28 UTC)
- Place: Ridgefield, NJ
- Location: 40.8291° N, 74.0155° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Ridgefield, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8291&lon=-74.0155&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30324
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30324/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA107

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

SECONDS AFTER AN OVER-WATER TAKEOFF FROM A SHORELINE HELIPAD THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER AND SANK. THE PILOT AND PAX ESCAPED FROM THE SUBMERGED ACFT AND WERE NOT INJURED. THE PILOT CLAIMED THAT HE HAD A SPLIT NEEDLE IN WHICH THE ROTOR RPM DETERIORATED. THE PAX STATED THAT THE PILOT WAS IN A HURRY AND LIFTED LESS THAN 10 FEET BEFORE TURNING AND TAKING OFF OVER THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE CLUTCH AND DRIVE BELT ASSEMBLY DID NOT REVEAL ANY DISCREPENCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51721](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N51721-2013-04-01), registration cancelled 2013-04-01, S/N 1127, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM F-280C
- Registry model: [Enstrom Helicopter 280C](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-helicopter-280c) (registry code 3300505) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HI0-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hi0-360-series) (registry code 41553, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Airframe hours: 2721
- Engines: LYCOMING HI0-360-E-1AD 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: Spectrum Helicopter, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 8, 1986, 67 hours before
- Departed: RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ
- Airport: 3NJ8, Lambros Heliport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,006 total, 218 in this make and model, 1,891 as pilot in command, 103 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft unknown
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860418014779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860418014779A), Apr 18, 1986: Enstrm 280C, Ridgefield Park, NJ, Substantial damage. The helicopter impacted the water during takeoff. No mechanical malfunctions found. Pilot was noted to be rushing

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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