Helicopter crash in the Hudson River during family birthday event; pilot requested fuel before incident.
A tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River claimed the lives of a Spanish family, including three young children, during what was meant to be a celebratory outing. The family had booked the sightseeing flight as part of a birthday celebration for one of their children, whose eighth birthday coincided with the incident. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the family’s visit to New York City for this special occasion, highlighting the profound sorrow surrounding this unfortunate event.
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, reportedly encountered a critical issue shortly before the 3:15 p.m. crash. According to company CEO Michael Roth, the 36-year-old pilot radioed that he was dangerously low on fuel and was attempting to return to the helipad. The helicopter had taken off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport just 15 minutes prior to the incident. Roth explained that the pilot’s final transmission indicated he was landing and needed fuel; however, when he did not arrive as expected, the company’s operations personnel were alerted of a potential crash.
Witness accounts and official reports indicate that the helicopter experienced difficulties shortly after navigating up the Hudson River towards the George Washington Bridge, subsequently turning back south before descending abruptly into the water near Hoboken. The flight duration was under 18 minutes, leaving little time for effective emergency response.
In the wake of the tragedy, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration initiated investigations to ascertain the factors contributing to this incident. Preliminary findings revealed that the helicopter crashed after failing to gain altitude, ultimately resulting in a loss of life that has left the community in mourning.
The implications of the crash extend beyond the immediate loss of the family, as the aircraft’s operator, New York Helicopter, has faced scrutiny over its operational history. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2019, citing significant debt, and has attracted mixed reviews regarding safety protocols. Previous customers reported concerns about inadequate pre-flight safety checks and unsatisfactory customer service.
As the investigation unfolds, the tragic loss of Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with aerial tours. The community, alongside grieving relatives, seeks answers while grappling with the reality of this devastating event.
