The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into a fatal crash involving a tour helicopter in the Hudson River. The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, crashed near the Jersey City coastline, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including members of a family visiting from Spain. The pilot, who had commercial pilot certification, reported running out of fuel before the crash, although the exact timeline of events is still being scrutinized. The NTSB is considering witness reports of a large flock of birds in the area prior to the crash as a potential factor that may have contributed to the accident.
The NTSB is in the process of determining the pilot’s flight experience in the Bell helicopter, as he had previously flown a different aircraft. Investigators are still searching for pieces of the helicopter in the Hudson River, including the main and tail rotors. Witness reports have provided valuable information to aid in the preliminary investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the helicopter’s flight path from the downtown Manhattan heliport to the George Washington Bridge before crashing into the river near Hoboken. The CEO of New York Helicopter Tour mentioned that the pilot had radioed about needing fuel but never arrived at the heliport, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Officials are asking the public to submit any photos, videos, or testimony that may assist in the investigation. In the wake of this tragic accident, there are renewed concerns about the safety of air tour operations. The NTSB has issued recommendations in the past regarding regulations for Part 91 operators and safety management systems. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and other officials have raised concerns about low-flying tour helicopters and called for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The NTSB is still considering what recommendations to make as a result of their investigation into the crash.
The NTSB is emphasizing the importance of safety in air tours and highlighted a previous report on Part 91 operations with revenue passengers. This tragic accident is reminiscent of a helicopter crash in 2018 involving FlyNYON, which resulted in the deaths of all passengers onboard. The NTSB is working alongside the FAA to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Hudson River helicopter crash. The Mayor of Jersey City is working to expedite the release of the deceased family members for repatriation to Spain. The investigation into this incident will continue as authorities work to determine the cause of the fatal crash and make recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
