FAA : Shuts Down The Company Involved in Hudson River Chopper Crash
A tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River kills six, prompting the FAA to shut down New York Helicopter Tours and launch a safety review
A devastating helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday, April 10, 2025, claimed the lives of six people, including a Spanish family of five and the pilot. The sightseeing chopper, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, broke apart midair and plunged into the river near Jersey City, New Jersey, leaving the city in shock.
The victims were Agustin Escobar, 49, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, 39, and their three children, Victor, 4, Mercedes, 8, and Agustin, 10, who were on a tourist flight to celebrate a birthday. The pilot, Seankese Johnson, 36, a U.S. Navy veteran, also perished. Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the helicopter’s tail and main rotor detached, sending the aircraft spiraling into the water.
FAA Steps In
On Sunday, April 13, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that New York Helicopter Tours would cease operations immediately. The FAA didn’t hold back, stating they’re launching a full review of the company’s operating license and safety record. This move came after Senator Chuck Schumer called for the company’s flights to be grounded, citing public safety concerns.
The chopper, a Bell 206L-4 built in 2004, had a history of issues. FAA records show it faced a transmission problem in September 2024, and it had logged over 12,000 flight hours. Investigators are now digging into whether recent safety directives for Bell 206L models were followed. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the probe, but the lack of flight recorders on board is making answers harder to come by.
Divers are still searching the Hudson for missing parts of the wreckage, like the main rotor and tail boom, which could hold clues to what went wrong. The FAA is also planning a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to address broader risks in the industry. For now, New York Helicopter Tours is out of business, and the focus is on supporting the victims’ families and preventing another tragedy.
This crash has reignited debates about the safety of sightseeing flights over New York City. With a history of similar incidents in the Hudson and East Rivers, many are asking if tighter rules are needed to keep the skies safe.
