Helicopter Tour Service Shuts Down Operations Following Chopper Crash

New York’s helicopter tours face scrutiny following a deadly Hudson River crash, leading to a halt in operations and a fierce probe.

Quick Takes

New York Helicopter Tours has ceased its operations after a fatal crash on the Hudson River.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash and the company’s safety compliance.
Six lives were lost, including a family of five from Spain and a Navy veteran pilot.
Critics, including Senator Chuck Schumer, are calling for increased safety standards.

Company Shuts Down Operations

New York Helicopter Tours has ceased operations following a crash that claimed six lives, including a Spanish family and their pilot, a US Navy veteran. The closure is part of a scrutiny process by the FAA, assessing the company’s safety protocols and operational compliance. The crash has intensified concerns over the safety of helicopter tours around New York, sparking calls for more stringent measures and evaluations.

The tragic event recently prompted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to request a pause in all helicopter flights and demand more comprehensive safety measures. The FAA is reviewing the tour operator’s license and supporting the NTSB’s investigation to piece together circumstances surrounding the accident.

FAA says company whose NYC sightseeing chopper crashed, killing 6, is ceasing operations immediately https://t.co/4f40QQvSpC

— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) April 14, 2025

Safety Assessments and Investigations

The FAA has stated, “Safety is the FAA’s number one priority, and we will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public.” The agency revealed it would hold a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to go over the investigative findings. The incident has catalyzed discussions about the industry’s safety culture. The crash’s cause remains undetermined, as recovery efforts and inspections of flight control systems continue.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded to the incident, acknowledging the role of helicopters in the cityscape and extending his condolences to the victims’ families.

Calls for Nationwide Safety Overhaul

The recent crash isn’t the only one to have occurred in New York City. It adds to the record of helicopter tour-related accidents over decades. With 38 fatalities recorded since 1977 and five instances of helicopters falling into the Hudson and East rivers over the past two decades, there is a growing movement to pursue a rigorous reevaluation of safety standards. Critics like City Councilwoman Gale Brewer are pushing for banning non-essential helicopter flights, addressing regulations and advocating for passenger safety enhancements.

In the aftermath, the Eastern Region Helicopter Council defends that helicopters abide by stringent oversight. However, ongoing criticism signals the possibility for future changes. The NTSB is meticulously reconstructing the downed aircraft to uncover the crash’s triggering factors, remaining a focal point in this comprehensive investigation.