Tourist helicopter crashes into New York’s Hudson River; all 6 including pilot killed

Helicopter Crash Hudson River Kills 6, Including Pilot

A devastating helicopter crash in New York’s Hudson River has claimed six lives. The tourist flight, meant to offer a scenic view of Manhattan, ended in tragedy on Thursday afternoon.

Joyride Turns Tragic

At around 3:30 PM, the aircraft plunged into the river near Lower Manhattan. All five passengers and the pilot died on impact or shortly after. Witnesses reported the helicopter spinning uncontrollably before it slammed into the water.

Michael Garza, a ferry operator who saw the crash, said, “It dropped fast, nose-first. We saw a splash, then silence.”

Rapid Emergency Response

Emergency crews arrived within minutes. The NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard launched a joint rescue. Divers quickly entered the water, but the helicopter had already sunk. Despite their efforts, all onboard were pronounced dead.

Fire Commissioner Laura Kane said the wreckage’s depth made rescue attempts extremely difficult.

Aircraft Details and Investigation

The chopper was a Eurocopter AS350, often used for city tours. Skyline Air Tours, a New Jersey-based company, operated the flight. They have suspended all tours following the crash.

The FAA and NTSB have opened investigations. No distress call was received before the crash. Officials are now reviewing maintenance logs, weather data, and video footage.

Concerns Over Tour Helicopter Safety

This incident has revived debates about the risks of helicopter tours over busy cities. New York’s airspace is crowded, and previous crashes have raised alarms. A similar accident in 2018 in the East River killed five people.

Some officials believe sightseeing tours pose unnecessary risks. Aviation analyst Rebecca Lin said, “The margin for error is small. Passengers often don’t realize the danger.”

Victims and Reactions

Authorities are notifying families. The passengers were a mix of U.S. and international tourists. Names will be released once families are informed.

Mayor Eric Adams expressed grief, calling the event “a tragic loss.” He promised full support to affected families and a transparent investigation.

Lawmakers Call for Stricter Rules

State and local lawmakers are now urging tighter rules or even a ban on non-essential flights over urban areas. “These joyrides risk lives,” said State Senator Jill Mendez. “It’s time for serious reforms.”

Advocacy groups have also renewed calls to limit recreational flights in dense areas like Manhattan.

Public Response and Next Steps

Social media quickly filled with messages of sympathy. Videos captured by bystanders circulated widely. Many users questioned the safety of allowing tour helicopters to fly in such congested areas.

The NTSB plans to retrieve the wreckage soon. It will be examined to determine what caused the crash.

Conclusion

The Hudson River helicopter crash is a tragic reminder of the risks tied to scenic air tours. As investigations continue, families grieve the sudden and shocking loss of loved ones. City officials, lawmakers, and the public now ask tough questions: Are these flights worth the risk?