New York Helicopter Tours, the owner of the helicopter that tragically crashed into the Hudson River near the New Jersey coast last Thursday, resulting in the deaths of all six passengers, is ceasing its operations immediately, as declared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
On Sunday, the FAA announced this decision, stating that it will continue to assist the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) ongoing investigation into the accident, while also initiating a prompt review of the tour operator’s license and safety history.
“The FAA is currently assessing known airplane/helicopter hotspots across the nation, and we are convening a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to evaluate the results, potential risks, and possible safety measures,” the FAA stated. “Ensuring safety is the FAA’s principal focus, and we will take any necessary measures to safeguard the flying public.”
The ill-fated New York City tour helicopter – a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV – came apart midair on Thursday afternoon before falling into the water upside down near the shoreline of Jersey City, New Jersey, killing a Spanish family of five and the aircraft’s Navy SEAL veteran pilot.
File photo of the victims of the helicopter crash in New York City, Thursday, April 10, 2025. The family of five killed in the tragedy included Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, a global manager at an energy technology company, and three children. The pilot was also killed. (New York Helicopter Tours, LLC)
The helicopter involved in the crash had its last major inspection on March 1, according to the NTSB.
Before the crash, the helicopter had completed seven tour flights, according to officials. The wreck happened during the eighth flight of the day.
Assisting with the NTSB’s investigation are the FAA, Bell Helicopter and Rolls-Royce.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
