On April 10, 2025, a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board. The devastating incident occurred just off the coast of Hoboken, New Jersey, sending shockwaves through New York City and beyond.
What We Know So Far
The aircraft was a Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopter Tours. It took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport around 2:59 p.m. Within 20 minutes, it lost control and fell into the Hudson river. According to witness reports, the rotor blades appeared to detach mid-air, causing the helicopter to flip before crashing into the water.
You can read the full report from The Times.
Who Were the Victims?
Tragically, all six passengers were killed. Five were members of a Spanish family visiting New York for a holiday. The sixth victim was the pilot. Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, calling it a “heartbreaking loss” for the city and the families involved.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several people on the New Jersey waterfront saw the incident unfold. One resident, Aleesha Alam, told The Times:
“I was in bed and I heard a thud. I looked up and saw the helicopter’s blades come off. Then it started falling into the water.”
Emergency crews responded quickly, but there were no survivors.
Ongoing Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation. Authorities are reviewing maintenance logs, flight data, and weather conditions at the time of the crash. Governor Kathy Hochul also promised full cooperation with federal investigators, emphasizing the need for answers and improved safety measures.
More details on the investigation are available through ABC News.
A History of Helicopter Accidents
Unfortunately, helicopter crashes in New York are not new. Since 1977, at least 32 people have died in similar incidents. The most recent one before this happened in 2019, when a tourist helicopter crashed into the East River, killing five passengers.
For a deeper dive into the city’s aviation history, check out the NTSB’s accident report archive.
Final Thoughts
This latest tragedy has reopened debates about the safety of tourist helicopter flights over New York. Many are calling for stricter regulations and more oversight. As the investigation unfolds, the city is left mourning a terrible and unexpected loss.
Our hearts go out to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
For a visual timeline of the events, you can watch the following news coverage:
