Tragedy : Family of 5 and Pilot Killed in NYC Helicopter Crash

On April 10, 2025, a sightseeing helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River, claiming the lives of all six individuals on board. The victims included a prominent Spanish family and their pilot, in what is now considered one of the city’s most devastating aviation accidents in recent years.

Victims Identified

The passengers were identified as Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Mobility’s Rail Infrastructure, his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The family had recently arrived in New York from Barcelona for a vacation. The pilot, a 36-year-old man, also perished in the crash.

The Crash

The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Charter, took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. EDT. Approximately 18 minutes into the flight, at 3:17 p.m., the helicopter experienced an in-flight breakup and crashed upside-down into the Hudson River near Newport, Jersey City. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud noises before seeing the helicopter fall apart mid-air, with debris falling into the river.

Investigation and Reactions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. The helicopter was built in 2004 and had an airworthiness certificate valid until 2029. New York Helicopter Charter has faced scrutiny over its safety record, with previous incidents reported in 2013 and 2015.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sorrow over the incident, calling it both “heartbreaking and tragic.” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the crash as an “unimaginable tragedy” and offered condolences to the victims’ families.

Ongoing Developments

As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to avoid the vicinity of Pier 40 while recovery operations are ongoing. The incident has reignited discussions about the safety standards of helicopter tour operations in New York City.

For more information and updates, readers can refer to the following sources.