A tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday marked another somber incident in an ongoing series of helicopter mishaps around New York City. Many enthusiastic tourists seek out these flights to enjoy an unmatched aerial view of the iconic city. 

Elaina Latona was among those eager to witness Manhattan’s breathtaking skylines from above. She accepted a last-minute invitation from a friend for a helicopter ride over Manhattan on March 28, just days before the unfortunate crash occurred. 

“I felt a bit apprehensive about it given the recent spate of aviation accidents,” Latona shared with Fox News Digital. “They provided us with very small life jackets, and I couldn’t help but wonder how effective they’d be in an emergency.”

Police and firefighters work on the site after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan, on April 10, 2025 in New York, United States. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In 2011, three family members died after a chopper plunged into the East River. Two years earlier, nine Italian tourists were killed after their sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River. 

In light of Thursday’s crash, lawmakers are calling for reform within New York City’s airspace. 

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is reportedly looking to restrict flights over Manhattan to law enforcement, members of the media and necessary transport. 

Hoylman-Sigal did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring a helipad on West 30th Street in Manhattan to be moved from Hudson River Park, citing safety concerns. 

“We averted disaster possibly by just minutes,” Hoylman-Sigal told ABC 7. “That is the concern here. Which is if a helicopter gets in trouble in a densely populated area like Manhattan, the disaster could be far worse.” 

Fox News Digital’s Jacqliene Mangini and The Associated Press contributed to this report.