In a tragic incident this afternoon, a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals onboard. The aircraft, a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopter Tours, was carrying a family of five visiting from Spain—two adults and three children—along with the pilot. The crash occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m.
What We Know So Far About the Hudson River Helicopter Crash That Killed Six
Flight Details & Crash Timeline
The helicopter departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and flew over Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty before heading north along Manhattan’s West Side. After reaching the George Washington Bridge, it turned south, following the New Jersey shoreline. At approximately 3:17 p.m., the aircraft suffered what witnesses described as a catastrophic failure and crashed near the Holland Tunnel ventilation tower in Jersey City.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses reported hearing “strange noises” before the aircraft went down. One told ABC News they heard “five or six loud noises that sounded almost like gunshots.” Another witness said the crash sounded like “a sonic boom” and said the rotor appeared to separate mid-air before the aircraft broke apart.
Emergency Response
First responders from both New York and New Jersey arrived within minutes. Divers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and Fire Deparment (FDNY) entered the 50ºF-degree water to recover the victims. Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others died after being transported to local hospitals.
Investigation Underway
The FAA and NTSB are investigating. Early signs point to mechanical failure. Per FlightAware this was the sixth flight of the day for the aircraft, registration numebr N216MH, and it traced a popular tourist route.
CONCLSUION
This a tragic accident and my thouhts and prayers go out to the loved ones of those impacted. Without make any premature conclusions, it is sobering to realize that traveling via helicopter is not the same as traveling by plane in terms of safety.
Tragic crash. I have flown in helicopters between an airport and city before but decided about 10 years ago that the risk was too high for me. Therefore, I will not fly a helicopter from JFK to Manhattan or anything similar. I have been aboard a Bell 206 Jet Ranger and Long Ranger, as well as a Bell 222.
This is a bit personal. Friends have a building in Jersey City. Whatever they experienced today was upsetting, and they have moved to the Asbury Park house. My first thoughts and prayers are for the actual victims and their families. But secondarily remembering those that witnessed this tragedy. I hope the investigation can give closure to all.
As someone that physically heard the crash yesterday and saw the aftermath from my bedroom. Thank you.
The apartments nearby are mostly young families thankfully most of the kids were at school at the time.
Brendo, you are included in my prayers tonight.
When I heard about the family on a Spanish channel while flipping through station, I thought they were just reporting the events. Sad to hear this was a Spanish family. Its worse when things happen on vacation because people are expecting to relax and have a good time with their families.
DEI pilot
Inside information? Or new news?
Ah. Just another liar. Let me guess who.
What exactly happened? Did the mechanic forget to bolt down the rotor?