Helicopter Tour Company Halts Operations After Deadly Crash

New York Helicopter Tours has halted all operations following a deadly Hudson River crash that claimed six lives, as federal investigators conduct a thorough safety review of the company.

Key Takeaways

New York Helicopter Tours has suspended all operations while the FAA reviews their license and safety records following a fatal April 10 crash.
The crash killed a family of five from Spain and pilot Sean Johnson, a US Navy veteran, adding to a concerning history of NYC helicopter accidents.
Federal authorities are investigating potential causes while facing increased pressure from Senator Chuck Schumer to strengthen helicopter tour safety regulations.
Since 1977, at least 38 people have died in helicopter accidents in New York City, with five sightseeing helicopters crashing into the Hudson and East rivers in the past two decades.
The investigation is ongoing, with dive teams still searching for missing helicopter parts to determine the cause of the crash.

Tour Company Grounds Fleet Amid Investigation

New York Helicopter Tours has ceased all operations following the fatal April 10 crash that killed six people when one of their aircraft plunged into the Hudson River. The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting a comprehensive review of the company’s operating certificate and safety record while supporting the National Transportation Safety Board’s broader investigation into the causes of the accident. The victims included a family of five from Spain and the pilot, Sean Johnson, a US Navy veteran with significant flying experience.

Recovery efforts continue as investigators search for crucial helicopter components needed to determine what went wrong. The helicopter took off from Downtown Manhattan Heliport and crashed while returning south along the river at approximately 3:17 p.m. near the Jersey City shoreline. NTSB officials confirmed that the aircraft was not equipped with flight recorders, and no onboard video or camera recorders have been recovered, complicating the investigation. The helicopter’s last major inspection occurred on March 1, and it had completed seven tour flights successfully before the fatal crash.

After deadly helicopter crash in New York, tour company shuts down operations, FAA says https://t.co/se3df05XZH

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) April 14, 2025

Political Pressure Mounts for Stricter Regulations

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been vocal in his criticism of the tour helicopter industry, calling for the FAA to revoke New York Helicopter Tours’ operating certificate until the investigation concludes. During a news conference, Schumer accused helicopter tour companies of prioritizing profits over safety standards, urging federal regulators to implement more rigorous safety inspections and protocols for all similar operations in the region. The crash has reignited long-standing debates about the safety of sightseeing helicopter tours over New York City.

In contrast to Schumer’s position, New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended helicopter tourism, stating that helicopters are safe and an integral part of the New York experience. Adams also offered condolences to the victims’ families while acknowledging the tragedy. City Councilwoman Gale Brewer has taken a harder stance, advocating for a complete ban on non-essential helicopter flights over the city, joining a chorus of critics who have attempted to limit such operations with limited success over the years.

History of Helicopter Accidents and Ongoing Probe

Since 1977, at least 38 people have died in helicopter accidents throughout the city. Meanwhile, reports indicate that in the past two decades, five sightseeing helicopters have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers, resulting in 20 fatalities.

Investigators are evaluating several potential causes for the most recent crash, including mechanical failure and possible bird strikes. Dive teams continue searching for missing helicopter parts while the NTSB works to reconstruct the aircraft to determine the precise cause. Some components have already been recovered, including what a Hoboken resident identified as a seat cushion from the helicopter.