The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Helicopter pilot reports losing engine power and crash lands on pier outside New York City
The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate after a helicopter pilot reported losing engine power and made an emergency landing on a pier, just outside of New York City.
A helicopter operated by FlyNYON reportedly lost engine power and made an emergency landing on a pier just outside New York City, according to the FAA investigation announced after the incident.
The aircraft involved is a Bell 206 conducting a maintenance flight with two people onboard. The event occurred while the helicopter was over the water and heading toward Brooklyn after taking off from Kearny, New Jersey.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot declaring Mayday and reporting low RPMs, followed by a statement that they would land outside the airport and had an engine out. The aircraft subsequently touched down on a road beyond cargo shipping containers, with the tail section later observed hanging from a nearby fence.
Video from a CNN affiliate showed the helicopter on the ground, and the two people onboard were reported as being OK according to radio communications. FlyNYON has not provided public comment in response to requests for information.
The incident highlights a potential risk scenario where autorotation could be used to slow a descent after engine power loss, though the particular outcome in this case was not described. The FAA will lead the investigation into the event.