Helicopter operator involved in Hudson crash has a record of near-misses and previous bankruptcy.
A tragic incident involving a helicopter crash in the Hudson River has raised significant concerns regarding the operator, New York Helicopter. The crash occurred on April 10, 2025, resulting in the loss of a family from Spain—Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children—along with the pilot. This recent calamity has brought to light the company’s troubling history of mechanical failures and financial instability.
Previous incidents have plagued New York Helicopter, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2019. The firm declared liabilities of nearly .7 million against a revenue of only .1 million that year, exacerbated by a sharp decline in business attributed to New York City’s regulatory limits on air traffic. Following directives from the city to cut flight operations drastically, landing fees increased by 40%, placing additional strain on the company.
Records from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that the company has faced significant operational challenges in the past as well. Notably, a helicopter operated by New York Helicopter experienced engine failure in June 2013, forcing an emergency landing into the Hudson River. The pilot in that incident reported it as a close call, where the aircraft and its four passengers were uninjured, despite the frightening circumstances.
In 2015, another pilot encountered severe control issues after refueling, leading to a harrowing maneuver where the helicopter spun multiple times in the air before safely landing. Such incidents have raised questions about the company’s maintenance practices and safety procedures.
The fatal flight on April 10 lasted less than 18 minutes. Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter, after taking off at 2:59 PM, suddenly lost control and descended into the water near Hoboken. Just moments before the crash, the pilot indicated a critical fuel situation over radio communications and was attempting to return to the helipad.
In response to this latest tragedy, New York Helicopter expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to safety and cooperation with ongoing investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with helicopter tourism, calling into question the regulatory framework governing aviation safety.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and understanding the factors that led to this tragic loss of life. The industry will likely face increased scrutiny as it grapples with the dual imperatives of safety and the demands of a tourism-driven economy.
This incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures and vigilant oversight in the aviation sector, to protect both passengers and crew during these high-stakes operations.
