A sightseeing helicopter carrying a Spanish family of six tragically crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, near New York City’s Pier 40, resulting in the deaths of all on board, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The aircraft, identified as a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV with the tail number N216MH, was on a brief local flight originating from and returning to New York City. Data from aviation tracking service Flightradar24 shows that the helicopter departed at approximately 19:14 UTC and traveled a short circular route of just six nautical miles before its final recorded descent.
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Authorities initially reported that one person had died in the crash. However, as emergency crews continued their response, ABC News later confirmed that all six individuals had perished, including the pilot, two adult passengers, and three children. The victims, believed to be tourists from Spain, were retrieved from the waters during an extensive search and recovery operation involving the NYPD, FDNY, and U.S. Coast Guard.
Flight data revealed that the helicopter maintained a low altitude of approximately 350 feet throughout its brief journey. At the time of the last recorded signal, the aircraft was flying at a ground speed of 95 knots and descending rapidly with a vertical drop rate of -512 feet per minute. The flight lasted around 15 minutes before ending in tragedy between Manhattan and Jersey City.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter falter before plunging into the river, prompting an immediate emergency response. Dive teams and marine units quickly mobilized, cordoning off the area around Pier 40 to recover the wreckage and retrieve victims from the cold waters of the Hudson.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now investigating the crash. Preliminary details indicate there were no distress calls made before the crash, leaving investigators to examine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors may have contributed to the sudden loss of control.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the safety of helicopter tours over urban areas, particularly in densely populated cities like New York. In recent years, city officials and aviation advocates have voiced concerns about the frequency and safety regulations surrounding non-essential helicopter flights.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to notify next of kin and coordinate with Spanish consular officials to support the grieving family members abroad.
More updates will follow as information becomes available.
