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Search Continues for Wreckage as NTSB Investigates Fatal Hudson River Helicopter Crash
Search for Helicopter Parts Ongoing in Hudson River Crash
Authorities are continuing their search for critical components of the helicopter that plummeted into the Hudson River, but investigators have confirmed a key piece of evidence will be absent from the wreckage.
According to a statement released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Saturday, “The helicopter was not equipped with any flight recorders. No onboard video recorders or camera systems have been recovered, and none of the helicopter’s avionics systems recorded data that could be utilized for the investigation.”
Deadly Tour Crash Claims Six Lives
The tragic incident on Thursday resulted in the deaths of six individuals: a family of five visiting from Spain and the pilot of the aircraft.
Extensive Search for Missing Components
“Divers from the New York Police Department are actively searching for the helicopter’s main rotor, main gear box, tail rotor, and a substantial section of the tail boom. Side-scan sonar technology is being employed to pinpoint potential locations of the wreckage,” the NTSB reported.
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Officials stated that the helicopter underwent its most recent major inspection on March 1st and had completed seven tour flights prior to the accident.
Calls for Stricter Oversight of NYC Helicopter Tours
In the wake of the crash, lawmakers are advocating for heightened federal regulations and protocols governing helicopter tours, particularly in urban environments.
Senator Schumer Urges Immediate Action by FAA
Senator Chuck Schumer addressed the issue at a press conference on Sunday, stating, “The company operates under a ‘Part 91’ certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This type of certification does not mandate the same level of training and experience for personnel overseeing and operating the helicopter as is required for commercial and passenger helicopter companies.”
He delivered his remarks at the Wall Street Heliport in Manhattan, the departure point for the ill-fated New York Helicopter Tours Bell 206 L-4 flight on Thursday.
Authorities have identified the pilot as Seankese Johnson, a Navy veteran who obtained his commercial pilot’s license in 2023 and had accumulated over 800 flight hours as of March.
Demand to Suspend Operations Pending Investigation
Schumer emphasized, “Currently, New York Helicopter Tours is under federal investigation due to these fatalities. However, my immediate demand is for the FAA to revoke their operating certificate and suspend all flights until a thorough investigation is concluded.”
New York Helicopter Tours has stated they are fully cooperating with the ongoing federal inquiry.
Push for Increased Ramp Inspections
The Democratic senator further advocated for stricter federal oversight of all helicopter tour operators in the New York City metropolitan area, describing such flights as inherently “risky.”
“I am also calling upon the FAA to increase the frequency of ‘ramp inspections’ at other helicopter tour companies in the metro area,” he added. “A ramp inspection is an unannounced, surprise inspection designed to verify compliance and ensure helicopters are operating safely and according to regulations.”
Mayor Adams Defends Helicopter Tours
Schumer’s position contrasts with that of Mayor Eric Adams, who expressed strong support for helicopter tourism in New York City during a Friday interview. Adams indicated he would not impose additional regulations on the industry.
“Seeing the city from above is a significant attraction for businesses and visitors alike. It’s part of what draws people to the city. Our responsibility is to ensure these operations are conducted safely and correctly,” Adams stated.