New York City, New York – Following the tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River that claimed the lives of six individuals, including three children, new details have emerged about the lack of flight recorders on the Bell 206 helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed that the helicopter was on its eighth tour flight of the day, without any video or camera recorders recovered to aid in the investigation.
In a press conference on Sunday, New York Senator Chuck Schumer urged New York Helicopter Tours to ground all flights as the NTSB delves into the causes of the fatal crash. Schumer also called on the Federal Aviation Administration to enhance safety inspections for helicopter tour companies, accusing them of prioritizing profits over people and neglecting safety protocols.
Shortly after the crash, New York police divers commenced the search for various parts of the helicopter, such as the main rotor, gear box, tail rotor, and tail boom. Despite the tragic outcome of the crash, investigators are diligently working to piece together the events leading up to the accident.
Those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash included senior Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí, and their three children, along with pilot Seankese Johnson. The recovery of the victims and key parts of the helicopter are now undergoing inspection at NTSB laboratories in Washington, shedding light on the chain of events preceding the crash.
While the operator of the crashed helicopter has cooperated with authorities in the investigation, questions regarding the aircraft’s maintenance and the pilot’s actions prior to the crash persist. The examination of two similar helicopters and operational records aims to uncover any discrepancies or oversights that may have contributed to the tragic incident.
The Hudson River has been a witness to several helicopter crashes in the past, with mechanical failures, pilot errors, and collisions being cited as contributing factors to previous incidents. As the investigation into the latest crash unfolds, authorities and safety experts are working towards ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future. Aviation safety remains a top priority, with efforts to enhance regulations and oversight in the wake of recent aviation incidents across the country.