New York Helicopter Tours Shuts Down Following Fatal Hudson River Crash

New York Helicopter Tours, the operator of the helicopter that tragically crashed into the Hudson River near the New Jersey shoreline last Thursday, has announced the immediate cessation of its operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed this decision on Sunday, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring public safety amidst the ongoing investigation.

The FAA stated it will collaborate closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to probe the cause of the crash, which claimed the lives of all six individuals on board. Additionally, the agency will conduct a comprehensive review of the tour operator’s license and safety protocols. “Safety is the FAA’s number one priority, and we will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public,” the agency said.

The ill-fated helicopter, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, disintegrated midair on Thursday afternoon before plunging into the water near Jersey City, New Jersey. Among the victims were a Spanish family of five and the pilot, a Navy SEAL veteran. The family has been identified as Siemens executive AGUSTIN ESCOBAR, his wife MERCÈ CAMPRUBÍ MONTAL, and their three young children.

The NTSB revealed on Saturday that the helicopter was not equipped with flight recorders, complicating the investigation. Investigators are currently examining the aircraft’s flight control system and have recovered key components, including the main fuselage, cockpit, cabin, and sections of the tail boom. Some parts will be sent to NTSB laboratories in Washington for further analysis.

Divers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) continue to search for remaining pieces of the helicopter, including the main rotor, main gear box, and tail rotor. The helicopter had undergone its last major inspection on March 1 and had completed seven tours earlier on the day of the crash before the fatal incident occurred during its eighth flight.

The FAA is also conducting a nationwide analysis of aviation hotspots and will host a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to discuss findings and mitigation strategies. The NTSB’s investigation involves collaboration with the FAA, Bell Helicopter, and Rolls-Royce.

Fox News Digital’s ALEXANDRA KOCH contributed to this report.

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