Helicopter company in deadly Hudson River crash shuts down operations: FAA
New York Helicopter Tours, the company involved in the tragic crash on the Hudson River, has made the decision to cease all operations immediately, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The devastating incident took place on a Thursday afternoon when a tourist helicopter plummeted into the Hudson River in New York City, claiming the lives of six individuals, including three children.
Following this heartbreaking event, the FAA has announced that they will conduct a prompt review of the tour operator’s license and safety record. Additionally, the agency will be analyzing airplane and helicopter hotspots across the country and will be hosting a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to address any findings, risks, and potential mitigation strategies.
“Safety is the FAA’s number one priority, and we will not hesitate to take action to safeguard the flying public,” stated the agency in a release on Sunday.
The ill-fated New York Helicopters chartered chopper, carrying a pilot and a family from Spain, tragically crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan on April 11. The victims included Agustin Escobar and Merce Camprubi Montal, executives from Siemens, and their three young children. The pilot, aged 36, also lost his life in the crash.
The crash occurred at 3:17 p.m. near River Drive in Hoboken, New Jersey, shortly after departing from the Wall St. Heliport. Reports indicate that the helicopter had reached the George Washington Bridge before changing direction and ultimately crashing into the river.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board,” in response to the tragic incident.
Video footage of the crash revealed the helicopter descending into the water without a tail rotor or main rotor blade, ultimately hitting the water inverted.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the cause of this devastating tragedy.
As the community mourns the loss of these precious lives, it is imperative that safety measures and protocols are rigorously reviewed and enforced to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
