NEW YORK (AP) — A tragic New York helicopter crash claimed six lives Thursday afternoon after a Bell 206 aircraft plunged into the Hudson River off Manhattan, authorities confirmed. According to AP, all six individuals aboard the helicopter were confirmed dead following the crash.
The New York City Fire Department reported receiving an emergency call at 3:17 p.m. regarding a helicopter in the water. The aircraft was found submerged and inverted near a maintenance pier used by the Holland Tunnel’s ventilation system.
Helicopter found submerged and upside-down
Footage circulating on social media showed the downed helicopter upside-down and partially submerged. Emergency responders, including NYPD Harbor and Aviation units and multiple rescue boats, were seen working around the scene.
Fire trucks and emergency crews flooded surrounding streets as operations intensified along the Manhattan shoreline. Authorities worked swiftly to secure the area and recover the victims.
Area known for high air traffic activity
The skies over Manhattan are regularly filled with commercial, private, and tourist aircraft. Several active helipads support daily flights, offering quick access to and from the city. This high concentration of aerial activity increases the complexity and risk of operations over urban waterways.
Despite the Bell 206 aircraft’s longstanding service in civil aviation, Thursday’s deadly incident has reignited scrutiny over helicopter safety in dense metropolitan areas.
Past crashes in the Hudson and East River
This New York helicopter crash echoes previous aerial tragedies in the region. In 2009, a tourist helicopter collided with a small aircraft over the Hudson River, killing nine people. In 2018, a charter helicopter conducting an “open-door” aerial tour crashed into the East River, leaving five passengers dead.
These events have consistently raised concerns about low-altitude flight paths, pilot oversight, and emergency preparedness in the city’s tightly controlled airspace.
Investigation underway
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims, pending notification of next of kin. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are on scene and leading a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
It remains unclear whether the flight was private, chartered, or commercial. Officials are expected to analyze flight data, maintenance records, and pilot logs to determine contributing factors.
“This is an active investigation. We are working with our federal partners to ensure every possible detail is uncovered,” an NYPD spokesperson said.
As officials continue their probe into what caused the fatal descent, New York’s aviation community is once again grappling with the dangers inherent in urban helicopter traffic.
According to AP, federal investigators are expected to remain at the crash site through the weekend. A preliminary report will likely be released in the coming weeks, though a comprehensive analysis may take several months.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams extended condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of those lost. We will support every step of the inquiry,” he said.
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