A helicopter crash in the Hudson River has led to the deaths of all six individuals onboard. The incident, involving a sightseeing helicopter operated by New York Helicopters, has raised questions regarding the cause, while investigations by authorities are underway.
Helicopter Crash in Hudson River: What We Know So Far
Helicopter Crash in Hudson River: What We Know So Far
Six fatalities reported as helicopter crashes into Hudson River, prompting investigations from federal agencies.
A tragic helicopter accident occurred in the Hudson River, claiming the lives of all six occupants on board, as confirmed by the New York Police Department (NYPD). The incident is currently under investigation, and here are the key details about the events leading up to and following the crash.
Details of the flight route have been provided by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from Downtown Skyport in Manhattan at approximately 14:59 local time. According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the helicopter ascended into the air for about 15 minutes and initially proceeded towards the Statue of Liberty. It then altered its course towards the George Washington Bridge before circling back down the Hudson River, ultimately crashing into the water near a Hoboken, New Jersey pier at 15:15 local time. Reports indicate that the helicopter was upside down upon impact.
Witness Bruce Wall described the horrifying scene, stating that parts of the helicopter appeared to be disintegrating mid-air before it flipped and descended towards the ground.
Onboard were six individuals, including one American pilot, and a family of five—two adults and three children—who were reportedly touring New York City. Emergency dive teams were immediately deployed to recover the victims, but despite efforts, all six were declared dead. Four were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in local hospitals. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the family affected was from Spain but has not released their names.
As for the cause of the crash, investigation details remain unclear. Commissioner Tisch indicated that the helicopter "lost control" moments before hitting the water, which occurred only a few feet off a pier. The helicopter involved is a Bell 206 model, and both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting investigations, with the NTSB taking the lead.
This incident marks the most significant helicopter crash in New York City since at least 2018, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation safety in densely populated urban areas.
