Incident Overview

The accident occurred in the afternoon as the helicopter flew over Hudson River, reportedly losing control and crashing near lower Manhattan. Witnesses described horrifying scenes of the aircraft disintegrating in the air, with pieces of the tail and propeller reportedly detaching before it fell into the water.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene to recover wreckage and search for survivors. Unfortunately, all six individuals were confirmed deceased, with two victims retrieved immediately and the others later succumbing to their injuries in local hospitals.

Victims of the Crash

Among the deceased was Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive visiting New York with his wife and three children, all of whom perished in the crash. Official identification of the other victims is pending, but authorities confirmed the group was a family from Spain enjoying a vacation in the city.

Details regarding the family’s visit and the purpose of their helicopter ride remain unclear as investigations continue.

Flight Details

According to reports from Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the helicopter, a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopters, took off from a heliport in Lower Manhattan at approximately 2:59 p.m. The aircraft followed the Manhattan shoreline but lost control shortly after, crashing around 3:08 p.m. near Pier A Park in Hoboken.

Eyewitness Accounts and Preliminary Findings

Eyewitnesses noted that the helicopter appeared to be “falling apart” midair, with visual reports indicating that the rotor blades may have detached during flight. Bruce Wall, a bystander, recounted seeing the helicopter spiraling downwards, corroborating earlier claims about the disintegration process of the aircraft.

The investigation is ongoing, reliant on eyewitness testimonies and video footage. Experts are focusing on the possibility that the helicopter’s rotor assembly failed mid-flight, which would explain the catastrophic outcome.

Company History and Responses

The operator, New York Helicopter Charter, has previously faced scrutiny due to other incidents. Notably, in 2015, one of its helicopters crashed shortly after takeoff, and in 2013, another aircraft made a forced emergency landing in the Hudson River. Following this latest tragedy, Michael Roth, CEO of NY Helicopter Tours, expressed his devastation, particularly regarding the loss of a family that included children.

“I’m a father and a grandfather, and to have children on there, I’m devastated. I’m absolutely devastated,” Roth commented.

Investigation and Next Steps

The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are expected to conduct thorough assessments, including examining the helicopter’s maintenance records and operational protocols. As of now, the findings will shed light on potential safety issues concerning aerial tours in urban areas.