FAA grounds New York helicopter tour company following deadly crash

In the United States, on April 10, 2025, a helicopter operated by New York Helicopter Tours crashed in the Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including five Spanish tourists and the pilot. The helicopter reportedly lost its main rotor mid-flight, leading to this tragic incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on April 13, 2025, that it had grounded the tour operator due to safety concerns and initiated a review of the company’s operating license and safety record. This decision was influenced by an emergency order following fresh public pressures to ensure the safety of helicopter tours in the city. After the crash, public outcry intensified with calls from New York Senator Chuck Schumer for stricter regulations on helicopter tour operators. Schumer emphasized the need for federal authorities to reassess the safety protocols of such operators, citing a “deadly track record” of similar companies in the area. The victims of the crash were identified as Agustin Escobar, a senior executive, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, their three young children, and pilot Seankese Johnson. The investigation into the accident includes an ongoing search for the main rotor and gearback, which are crucial for understanding the crash's cause. Additionally, it was revealed that the company’s operations director had been fired shortly after agreeing to suspend flights during the investigation, which raised concerns regarding the company’s commitment to safety. As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates, divers have begun finding key components of the helicopter that could shed light on potential mechanical failures or violations. The FAA has expressed concern regarding New York Helicopter Tours' management practices, as the rapid firing of the operations director within minutes of the flight suspension agreement suggests retaliatory behavior against safety decisions. In light of the tragedy and historical data pointing to multiple prior incidents involving helicopter accidents in New York, this incident is likely to prompt broader discussions on the regulations governing aerial tours and inspections of similar operators across the country.