Helicopter crash in East River kills Trevor Cadigan and four others

On March 11, 2018, a tragic accident occurred when an open-door tourist helicopter crashed into the East River, resulting in the deaths of five passengers, including Trevor Cadigan, who was 26 years old. The helicopter, which took off from a New Jersey heliport, was intended for a celebratory flight. However, shortly after takeoff, it tipped over, and cold water began flooding the cockpit, leaving passengers unable to escape due to cumbersome safety harnesses designed to prevent them from falling out. The National Transportation Safety Board's investigation revealed that the crash was caused by a loose, improvised safety harness that inadvertently caught on the helicopter's fuel shut-off lever. This malfunction led to the engine shutting down mid-flight, ultimately causing the helicopter to crash into the river. The safety harnesses, while intended for passenger safety, instead trapped the occupants, making it extremely difficult for them to extricate themselves in the emergency situation. Only the pilot managed to escape the wreckage, while all five passengers tragically lost their lives. In the aftermath of the incident, a jury in State Supreme Court in Manhattan awarded $116 million in damages to the family of Trevor Cadigan, recognizing the negligence involved in the design and implementation of the safety harnesses. This case highlights the critical importance of safety measures in aviation, particularly for tourist flights, where the risk of accidents can be exacerbated by inadequate safety protocols. The outcome of the trial serves as a reminder of the need for stringent regulations to ensure passenger safety in the aviation industry.