FAA Shuts Down NY Helicopter After Deadly Hudson Crash

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the immediate shutdown of New York Helicopter, the operator of the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River on Apr. 10, killing six people. Among the victims were five members of a Spanish family and the American pilot. The company ceased operations amid heightened scrutiny from federal authorities and public officials.

“The company involved in the fatal Hudson River accident earlier this week will cease operations immediately. The FAA is also initiating an immediate review of the operator’s license and safety record,” the FAA announced.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), leading the investigation, revealed that the helicopter lacked flight data and video recording systems, complicating efforts to determine the cause of the crash. 

“Several hypotheses are being considered, but we want to avoid speculation at this stage,” the NTSB stated. Investigators are currently examining the helicopter’s flight control system and the operator’s procedures.

The accident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. local time, 16 minutes after takeoff from a Wall Street helipad. The helicopter lost structural integrity mid-air, shedding parts of its fuselage and rotor blades before crashing near Pier 40 in the Hudson River, between Manhattan and Jersey City. Emergency responders, including divers from the New York Fire Department and police units from both New York and Jersey City, recovered all six bodies and initiated salvage efforts.

Photographs published by The New York Post show recovery divers retrieving the main rotor and two blades from the river, components deemed critical to the investigation. Authorities reported that additional parts, including the tail rotor, might still be submerged at a depth of approximately 12 meters.

The victims were identified as Agustín Escobar, a Siemens executive, his wife Mercè Camprubí, and their three children, aged 4, 8, and 10. The pilot, Seankese “Sean” Johnson, was a 36-year-old US Navy veteran. The family had traveled to New York to celebrate one of the children’s birthdays with a helicopter tour of the city.

In response, New York Helicopter issued a statement on its website expressing condolences and affirming its cooperation with authorities: “At New York Helicopter Tours, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew have always been foundational to our operations. Our primary focus is to support the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy and fully cooperate with the FAA and NTSB investigations. These agencies have asked us to respect the investigation process and refer all media inquiries to them. Our thoughts are with the families.”

Although the company’s website remains active and still lists tourist packages, all purchasing functions have been disabled.

City officials have outlined three potential causes under investigation: mechanical failure, a bird strike, or a collision with a drone. Michael Roth, CEO, New York Helicopter Tours, told The New York Post, “The pilot reported that he was going to land to refuel, but did not arrive.”