The helicopter tour company, New York Helicopter Tours, has announced the immediate suspension of its operations after a sightseeing helicopter tragically plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed this decision on Sunday, stating that it will initiate a thorough review of the company’s licensing and safety records. In a post on social media platform X, the FAA also mentioned its commitment to support the ongoing investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
In light of the devastating incident, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York has urged federal authorities to revoke the operating certificate of New York Helicopter Tours. The crash resulted in the loss of all six individuals on board, including three children. Senator Schumer expressed concerns about the safety records of helicopter tour companies in New York City, stating, “We know there is one thing for sure about New York City’s helicopter tour companies: they have a deadly track record.” He emphasized the need for rigorous oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The helicopter was carrying a family visiting from Spain, which included Agustín Escobar, 49; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal; and their three children, aged 4, 11, and a daughter who was to turn 9 the following day. New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the family's presence in the city to celebrate Camprubí’s 40th birthday. The helicopter went down just off the New Jersey shoreline of the Hudson River, leading to an urgent response from local authorities.
The pilot of the helicopter, identified as 36-year-old Seankese Johnson, had recently been certified to fly commercial helicopters as of August 2023. According to FAA records, he had accumulated 788 hours of flight time. This tragic event is not isolated; between 1977 and 2019, helicopter accidents in New York City resulted in at least 32 fatalities, highlighting a persistent safety issue in the industry.
In response to the crash, Senator Schumer has called for an increase in ramp inspections—unannounced evaluations that ensure compliance with safety regulations—at other helicopter tour companies operating in the city. Additionally, City Councilwoman Amanda Farías, who chairs the council’s Committee on Economic Development, has advocated for a reevaluation of current policies and suggested an immediate moratorium on non-essential helicopter flights from city-owned heliports while investigations are ongoing.
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council, a trade association representing helicopter operators, has expressed concern that a blanket ban on helicopter flights would not be the appropriate solution. Chairman Jeff Smith stated, “The helicopter community is in shock and mourning after the tragic and horrific events.” He cautioned against hastily legislating based on emotions and emphasized the importance of understanding the investigation's findings before making further decisions.
New York Helicopter Tours has a history of safety incidents. In 2013, a pilot was forced to conduct an emergency landing on water after reporting engine trouble, safely evacuating passengers. In 2015, another incident involved a helicopter that was deemed “unairworthy” due to corrosion and damage. Such incidents raise serious questions about the maintenance practices within the company and the broader safety measures in place across the industry.
The NTSB has sent a specialized team to the crash site to examine wreckage and review maintenance records. Unfortunately, the helicopter lacked flight data recorders, which would have provided critical information for the investigation. The last major inspection of the helicopter occurred on March 1, and it had completed seven flights prior to the accident. Efforts are ongoing to locate the helicopter's main rotor and assembly gear box, which are vital to understanding the causes of this tragic event.
As investigations proceed, both the FAA and NTSB remain focused on uncovering the facts surrounding this incident, hoping to prevent future tragedies in the world of helicopter tourism.
