Hudson River Helicopter Crash Investigation Focuses on Mechanical Failure and Operator’s Troubled History

Divers continue recovery efforts for key wreckage components as investigators examine causes of the crash that killed six, including a Spanish family of five and their pilot.

The April 10 crash of a Bell 206L-4 helicopter into the Hudson River killed Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, their three children, and pilot Sean Johnson.
Investigators are prioritizing the recovery of critical components, including the main and tail rotors, to determine whether mechanical failure caused the mid-air disintegration.
The helicopter operator, New York Helicopter Tours, has suspended operations as scrutiny grows over its history of unpaid debts, past mechanical issues, and bankruptcy filings.
The crash has reignited debates over helicopter tour safety and regulatory oversight, with calls for stricter enforcement of aviation safety standards.
Family members and communities in New York and Barcelona mourn the victims, emphasizing their unity and joy in their final moments.