Key components of the Bell 206L-4 helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River last week were recovered Monday, a significant development in the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the fatal accident.
Divers from the New York Police Department worked alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management to locate and secure the helicopter’s main rotor system — including the transmission and roof beam — as well as the tail rotor system, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The recovered parts will be transported to a secure facility for further examination, the NTSB said in an investigative update on Monday.
Recovery efforts at the crash site have now concluded, the statement said.
A video recorded by a witness shows the chaotic moment the helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killed 6 people including 3 children.The Associated Press
The crash occurred about 3:15 p.m. on April 10 when the helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, rapidly descended into the Hudson River off Jersey City and Hoboken.
All six people aboard were killed. They were identified as Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, a global manager at an energy technology company, and three children. Pilot Seankese “Sam” Johnson, also was killed.
The aircraft was conducting an air tour under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations at the time, according to the NTSB update.
Flight 91 operations are often referred to as “commercial air tours” and are distinct from other types of commercial flights due to their less stringent operational parameters, according to the Areospace Medical Association, a peer-reviewed monthly journal.
“The incidence of air tour crashes in the United States is disproportionately high relative to similar commercial aviation operations, and air tours operating under Part 91 governance crash significantly more than those governed by Part 135,” the journal report said.
NTSB investigators remained on the scene Tuesday to document wreckage, collect evidence, and interview witnesses, authorities said.
Investigators continue to seek witnesses to the crash and ask anyone with video, photos or information related to the incident to contact the agency at [email protected].
A New York Police Department scuba team looks for debris, Friday, April 11, 2025, where a sightseeing helicopter crashed a day earlier into the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)AP
A preliminary report outlining initial findings is expected within 30 days of the crash. A final report, which will include the probable cause and any contributing factors, is anticipated in 12 to 24 months, according to the NTSB.
Additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses, officials said.
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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
