Brade
New York Helicopter Tours, the operator of the helicopter that tragically crashed into the Hudson River last Thursday, killing all six on board, has announced an immediate shutdown of its operations. The decision comes following an announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Sunday, which also revealed plans to review the company’s license and safety record while supporting the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) ongoing investigation.
The FAA emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is the FAA’s number one priority, and we will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public.” The agency is conducting a nationwide analysis of aviation hotspots and will host a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to discuss findings, risks, and mitigation strategies.
The ill-fated flight, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, disintegrated midair on Thursday afternoon before plunging upside down into the water near Jersey City, New Jersey. Among the victims were a Spanish family of five and the helicopter’s pilot, a Navy SEAL veteran. The family included Siemens executive AGUSTIN ESCOBAR, his wife MERCÈ CAMPRUBÍ MONTAL, and their three young children. Divers recovered their bodies from the water, and all were pronounced dead at the scene.
The NTSB revealed that the helicopter lacked flight recorders, and none of the onboard avionics captured data useful to the investigation. Investigators are examining the helicopter’s flight control system and have recovered key components, including the main fuselage, cockpit, cabin, and parts of the tail boom. Some pieces will be sent to NTSB laboratories in Washington, D.C., for detailed analysis.
NYPD divers are currently searching for additional wreckage, including the main rotor, main gear box, tail rotor, and a significant portion of the tail boom. According to the NTSB, the helicopter underwent its last major inspection on March 1 and had completed seven tour flights before the fatal eighth trip.
The NTSB is being assisted in its investigation by the FAA, Bell Helicopter, and Rolls-Royce. Further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Fox News Digital’s ALEXANDRA KOCH contributed to this report.
**Sources:**
[Federal Aviation Administration](https://www.faa.gov)
[National Transportation Safety Board](https://www.ntsb.gov)
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
