Brade
NEW YORK HELICOPTER CHARTER, INC. has been ordered to cease operations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River last week claimed the lives of six individuals, including a family of five and the pilot. The emergency order comes in the wake of the company’s controversial decision to fire its director of operations, who had voluntarily grounded flights following the incident.
The FAA stated that the suspension was prompted, in part, by the dismissal of the director of operations, who had taken proactive steps to ensure safety by halting flights. The agency emphasized that such actions undermine safety protocols and raise serious concerns about the company’s operational integrity.
The crash involved a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter, which disintegrated midair on Thursday afternoon before plunging upside down into the river near Jersey City, New Jersey. Among the victims were Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal; their three young children; and the pilot, a Navy SEAL veteran. Divers recovered their bodies shortly after the incident.
The FAA has initiated a comprehensive review of the company’s operations under its Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (CHEP), aiming to assess compliance with safety regulations, identify hazards, and implement risk mitigation measures. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
In tandem with these actions, the FAA announced plans to analyze aviation hotspots nationwide and host a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to explore findings, risks, and preventative strategies. “Safety is the FAA’s number one priority,” the agency stated. “We will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public.”
New York Helicopter Charter, Inc. has been instructed to surrender its Air Carrier Certificate pending the outcome of the review. The suspension will remain in effect until the company establishes necessary personnel and safety protocols to ensure operational compliance.
The NTSB has declared that “everything is on the table” as it continues its investigation into the crash, which has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and the local community. The FAA’s decisive action underscores its commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards in the wake of this devastating incident.
**Sources**:
[FOX NEWS](https://www.foxnews.com)
[FAA Statement](https://www.faa.gov)
[NTSB Investigation Update](https://www.ntsb.gov)
