A tragic helicopter crash occurred Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2025, in the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, killing all six people on board. The aircraft, a Bell 206 LongRanger IV operated by New York Helicopters, was carrying a Spanish family of five—two adults and three children—along with a 21-year-old pilot.
The helicopter departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. ET and was flying north along the Hudson River. At approximately 3:15 p.m., the aircraft reportedly suffered a catastrophic midair breakup near the George Washington Bridge, with witnesses describing parts of the helicopter, including the tail and rotor, detaching before it plunged upside-down into the river.
Emergency crews, including dive teams from the NYPD and FDNY, responded within minutes after receiving distress calls at 3:17 p.m. Four victims were declared dead at the scene, while the remaining two were transported to nearby hospitals, where they were later pronounced deceased.
During a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams extended his condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of those lost in today’s horrific tragedy. We also thank our brave first responders for their swift and courageous efforts.”
The crash site, located near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft off Jersey City, has been cordoned off as recovery teams work to retrieve the submerged wreckage. A crane vessel is assisting in the operation. Authorities have closed the surrounding area to the public, urging residents to avoid the vicinity due to traffic disruptions.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the crash. Preliminary findings indicate the helicopter lost control shortly after a turn, possibly due to mechanical failure. Investigators are also considering weather-related and human factors. At the time of the incident, conditions included overcast skies, light rain, and gusty winds up to 21 mph, with visibility around 10 miles.
The Bell 206 involved in the crash was registered to Meridian Helicopters, a Louisiana-based company, and leased to New York Helicopters for sightseeing tours—a popular activity in the city. This incident has reignited debate about the safety of such flights in densely populated urban areas.
Since 1977, over 30 fatalities have been recorded in helicopter accidents over New York City. This latest tragedy adds renewed urgency to discussions around tighter federal and local regulations on non-essential helicopter operations.
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