Helicopter Crash in Hudson River: Family Dies, Your Company Shuts Down

Photo : AP

Agustin Escobar and his family tragically lost their lives when their helicopter crashed into the Hudson River last week. The helicopter was part of a sightseeing tour company, New York Helicopter Tours, which has now stopped all operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Sunday that it will review the company’s safety record and license.

The crash occurred on Friday, when the helicopter, carrying six people, took off from New York around 3 PM. Among the passengers were Agustin Escobar, a 49-year-old Siemens executive from Spain, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children. The family was in New York from Barcelona to celebrate Merce’s 40th birthday.

Radar data shows the helicopter initially flew over the Manhattan skyline before turning back south toward the Statue of Liberty. Multiple videos posted on social media showed the helicopter wobbling and spiraling before it crashed into the river near Jersey City, New Jersey.

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The aircraft involved was a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, built in 2004. It had flown 12,728 hours before needing repairs. It had an airworthiness certificate issued in 2016, which was valid until 2029. The helicopter was previously involved in two safety-related incidents. In one, a pilot had to make an emergency landing because of a possible engine problem, and in another, it was reported that some parts of the helicopter showed signs of wear, possibly making them unsafe.

After the crash, the FAA said they are reviewing the safety records of helicopter operators and will host a safety panel on April 22 to discuss ways to improve safety in the future. The FAA emphasized that safety is their top priority and they will act to protect the public.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also investigating this crash to find out what went wrong.