Helicopter accident in New York results in six fatalities.

A sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Newport, Jersey City, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals aboard. The victims included a Spanish family of five and the pilot.​

Incident Details

The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Charter, departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. EDT. Approximately 18 minutes into its flight, the aircraft experienced an in-flight breakup, causing it to descend at a 45-degree angle and crash upside-down into the Hudson River near Pier 40. Witnesses reported hearing loud noises and seeing debris fall into the river. ​

Victims

The passengers were identified as Agustín Escobar, President of Siemens Mobility Spain; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, a manager at Siemens Energy; and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The family had arrived in New York from Barcelona for a vacation. The pilot, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was 36 years old. ​

Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the crash. Preliminary findings suggest a catastrophic mechanical failure, possibly involving rotor blade impact with the tail boom. The helicopter had an airworthiness certificate valid until 2029. ​

Operator's History

New York Helicopter Charter has a history of safety concerns, including previous incidents involving emergency landings and mechanical issues. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and has faced scrutiny over maintenance practices. 

Reactions

Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter Charter, expressed devastation over the incident, stating, "I'm a father, a grandfather, and my wife hasn’t stopped crying since this afternoon." New York City Mayor Eric Adams and U.S. President Donald Trump offered condolences to the victims' families. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the crash as "an unimaginable tragedy."

Ongoing Concerns

This tragedy adds to a history of fatal aviation incidents in the Hudson River area, raising renewed concerns over helicopter safety regulations in New York City. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and evaluate safety protocols for sightseeing flights. ​

Sources:

• https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247915 
• https://abc7ny.com/post/nypd-responding-helicopter-hudson-river/16153664/ 
• https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/04/10/nyregion/hudson-river-helicopter-crash 
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy6j9peen4o 
• https://www.fox5ny.com/news/list-deadly-helicopter-accidents-new-york-city 
• https://globalnews.ca/news/11125853/helicopter-crash-new-york-hudson-river/
• https://apnews.com/article/new-york-helicopter-crash-e0368ea529659ee1513d92dcbf05a28d