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NTSB recovers key helicopter parts after Hudson River crash that killed 6
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 14, 2025
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Kena Betancur/VIEWpress
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 14, 2025
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Authorities have recovered key components from the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River last week, killing all six people on board — including a family of five visiting from Spain and the aircraft’s pilot.
On Monday, the National Transportation Safety Board said NYPD divers, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management, retrieved the main and tail rotor systems, the transmission and the roof beam of the Bell 206L-4 helicopter. The parts will be secured and examined as part of the federal investigation into the crash.
Recovery efforts are now complete, officials said.
The helicopter crashed Thursday afternoon, just minutes after taking off from the Downtown Skyport — formerly the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. The crash killed Spanish nationals Mercè Camprubi Montal, her husband Agustín Escobar, and their three children, ages 10, 8, and 4. The pilot, 36-year-old Sean Johnson, also died.
The aircraft, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, had no flight data or cockpit voice recorders. It had reportedly not undergone a major inspection in over five weeks. One official told Gothamist last week that a mechanical failure was possible.
The Federal Aviation Administration launched a full review of New York Helicopter Tours’ license and safety record following the crash and announced on Sunday the company was shutting down operations. The agency also said it plans to convene a national safety panel later this month to assess helicopter and airplane hotspots and recommend new risk mitigation strategies.
Public officials, including Sen. Chuck Schumer, have called for stricter oversight of sightseeing flights. Meanwhile, the NTSB said a preliminary report was expected within 30 days, with a full report — including a probable cause — due in 12 to 24 months.
The agency asked anyone with photos or videos of the crash to contact them at [email protected].
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new york city
public safety
manhattan
transportation
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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