Six killed in New York helicopter crash
April 11, 2025
The aircraft involved in Thursday’s tragic accident was a Bell 206L LongRanger (N216MH) owned by Meridian Helicopters and leased to and operated by New York Helicopter. New York Helicopter offers a variety of tours, priced at between US $114 per person (+ $50.00 per person taxes) to US $354 (again plus taxes), departing from Manhattan’s Downtown Manhattan Heliport at East River Piers, or from John Miller Way in Kearny, New Jersey.
New York Helicopter has been flying in NYC for more than 30 years, and claims to offer the best rates in the city, while enjoying “an industry leading safety record.”
The company operates a mixed fleet of Bell 206 JetRangers and Bell 206L IV LongRangers.
The helicopter involved in the accident was carrying five Spanish passengers who were a couple on a family vacation with their three children. They were reportedly taking a helicopter tour of Manhattan when the accident occurred. There are a number of videos of the crash, and some still photographs.
These show the main body of the helicopter falling inverted, with the main rotor and attached transmission falling separately, and with the bulk of the tailboom and tail rotor falling as another main ‘element’. The cabin hit the ground first, with the tailboom hitting the water next, and then the rotor/transmission, which fell more slowly, spinning like a sycamore leaf.
The wreckage came down closer to the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, near Houston Street and the Holland Tunnel, and close to Pier 40. The accident was reported at around 15:15 EDT (20:15 GMT).
Emergency responders quickly recovered all bodies, including the pilot and two children, according to CBS News.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, though there has been some speculation that the helicopter may have suffered a ‘mast strike’ – a known issue with helicopters employing a teetering rotor system.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said that the investigation into the accident will be led by the National Transportation Safety Board.
