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New York Helicopter Tours has announced the immediate suspension of its operations following a tragic crash on the Hudson River last week. This announcement was made by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Sunday evening, as the agency initiated a thorough review of the company’s licensing and safety protocols. This comes in conjunction with the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the incident that claimed the lives of a Spanish family of five and the helicopter’s pilot.
The FAA stated that it is already assessing hot spots for airplane and helicopter operations across the country. To further enhance helicopter safety, the agency plans to host a safety panel on April 22 to discuss findings, potential hazards, and strategies for improved safety measures. The FAA emphasized that protecting public safety remains its top priority.
The shutdown of New York Helicopter Tours was prompted by a request from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who urged the company to temporarily halt all flights while the NTSB conducts its investigation into the deadly incident.
Schumer’s Concerns Over Safety Practices
Senator Schumer criticized helicopter tour companies, claiming they often prioritize profits over safety. He called for increased scrutiny and inspections of all helicopter tour operators, echoing broader concerns regarding industry practices.
The crash involved passengers Agustin Escobar, 49, his wife, Mercè Camprubà Montal, 39, and their children, Victor, 4, Mercedes, 8, and Agustin, 10, alongside the pilot, Sean Johnson, 36, a Navy veteran who only recently obtained his commercial pilot’s license.
Schumer expressed the need for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future, noting a pattern of accidents within New York City’s helicopter tour businesses.
The incident has reignited discussions around safety in New York’s helicopter tourism sector, which remains a considerable attraction for visitors eager to view the city from above. Mayor Eric Adams defended the industry shortly after the crash, describing helicopter travel as an integral part of the New York experience.
Ongoing Safety Concerns in Sightseeing Helicopter Operations
Over the past 20 years, there have been multiple instances where commercial sightseeing helicopters have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals. City Councilwoman Gale Brewer has voiced her long-standing concerns, advocating for legislative measures to restrict non-essential helicopter flights in urban areas.
As mourning continues for the victims, friends and relatives are seeking accountability, with statements reflecting the devastating loss of life involved. One friend of pilot Sean Johnson highlighted the need for reform within the industry to avoid further tragedies.
Michael Roth, the president of New York Helicopter Tours, has not commented on inquiries regarding the company’s operations post-crash but did state earlier that they are cooperating with ongoing investigations.
In light of Schumer’s calls for heightened oversight, the Eastern Region Helicopter Council has maintained that the current operational standards for Manhattan’s sightseeing helicopters are amongst the strictest in the nation, emphasizing the economic contributions of the industry to New York City.
Critics of airborne tourism have long advocated for stronger regulations or even a complete ban on non-essential helicopter flights over New York City, achieving limited success thus far. A cap introduced in 2016 restricted annual flights from Manhattan heliports, leading some operators to relocate their services outside the city limits.
Past disasters, such as a deadly 2018 crash that killed five individuals during a helicopter tour, underline the persistent risks associated with helicopter sightseeing operations. The current investigation into last Thursday’s incident has yet to uncover definitive answers regarding its cause. Meanwhile, dive teams continue their recovery efforts in the Hudson River, searching for vital debris including rotor and gearbox parts that could provide insights into the crash.
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