Investigators Seek Answers in Fatal Hudson River Helicopter Crash
The helicopter involved in Thursday’s tragic crash into New York City’s Hudson River did not have flight data recorders, according to a recent update by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The devastating accident claimed the lives of all six people aboard, including three children.
In its statement, the NTSB added, “So far, no video or camera recording devices have been recovered, and none of the onboard equipment we reviewed has provided detailed flight information.”
New York Police Department divers are continuing their extensive efforts, still searching underwater for critical helicopter parts such as the main rotor, gearbox, tail rotor, and tail boom.
Amid mounting concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the immediate suspension of operations by New York Helicopter Tours, the company that operated the aircraft involved. The FAA also highlighted ongoing plans for enhanced helicopter safety measures:
“We are currently analyzing airplane and helicopter hotspots nationwide and will hold a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to discuss these critical findings.”
Currently, New York Helicopter Tours has directed all further inquiries to investigators, stating clearly on their website that the FAA and NTSB will address public concerns and media requests.
Among the victims were a senior Siemens AG executive, his wife, and their three children. Authorities noted that the Bell 206 helicopter’s last comprehensive inspection was conducted on March 1, and it completed seven successful flights prior to Thursday’s incident.
Following the tragedy, rescue teams swiftly retrieved the pilot and passengers from the submerged helicopter. Four victims were declared deceased at the crash site, while two others initially rescued later succumbed to their injuries at nearby hospitals.
Investigation Progress
The NTSB has transferred several recovered helicopter components—including the cockpit, cabin area, horizontal stabilizer finlets, vertical fin, and fragments of the tail boom—to their laboratories in Washington, D.C. for meticulous analysis.
Investigators have also closely examined two similar helicopters as part of the inquiry. Additionally, the team has conferred with representatives from New York Helicopter Tours to thoroughly review operational policies, safety procedures, and the pilot’s qualifications.
Timeline of Events on the Day of Crash
The helicopter departed around 3:00 p.m. local time Thursday afternoon from a downtown Manhattan pad, traveling northbound along the Hudson River, stated New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Upon reaching the George Washington Bridge, the aircraft turned southward before tragically crashing upside-down into the river near Lower Manhattan, off Jersey City, at approximately 3:15 p.m.
Separate Plane Crash in New York State Claims Lives of Family Members
In a separate incident on Saturday, authorities also reported a deadly plane crash involving a Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft in Copake, eastern New York. Todd Inman, an official with the NTSB, confirmed during a media briefing that the plane crashed into a field approximately 16 kilometers from the Columbia County Airport shortly after noon.
“All six occupants have been removed from the scene, and we currently have no hospitalized survivors,” Inman stated. The passengers were relatives reportedly traveling to a family gathering.
In describing the crash site, Inman observed grimly that the aircraft was “compressed, buckled, and embedded into the terrain” due to the significant impact.
Citing deteriorating visibility at the time of the accident, Inman noted: “During the approach to Columbia County Airport, the pilot reported a missed approach and requested vectors for another attempt.”
According to sources cited by The New York Times, all six aboard the aircraft tragically lost their lives. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact factors involved, including the pilot’s recent cockpit upgrades and overall flight experience.
Read more: “Six killed after helicopter crashes into New York’s Hudson River.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
