Helicopter Tour Company Shuts Down Operations in Wake of Crash

A deadly helicopter crash on New York’s Hudson River has prompted the suspension of operations for the tour company involved as authorities investigate the tragic incident.

Quick Takes

New York Helicopter Tours has suspended all operations following a deadly crash on the Hudson River.
The FAA and NTSB are examining the operator’s safety record and compliance.
The crash killed a family of five and the pilot, a US Navy veteran.
Calls for improved safety inspections and potential flight bans increase.

Company Suspends Operations

New York Helicopter Tours has halted operations after a tragic accident over the Hudson River claimed the lives of six individuals last week. Among the deceased are a Spanish family and pilot Sean Johnson, a US Navy veteran. Authorities are scrutinizing the company’s compliance with aviation safety protocols.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to thoroughly investigate.

After deadly helicopter crash in New York, tour company shuts down operations, FAA says https://t.co/se3df05XZH

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) April 14, 2025

Safety and Legislative Responses

In the wake of the deadly incident, Senator Chuck Schumer has pushed for stringent safety regulations, stressing that economic gains should not overshadow safety priorities. “The FAA has to do more. They must get serious about a culture of safety across the helicopter tour industry and that overhauling safety standards of tour operators like New York Helicopter and Fly Nyon is where to start,” he said.

Mayor Eric Adams also acknowledged the incident, expressing his sadness over the lives lost. However, in remarks to CBS News New York, he noted that “helicopters are safe and it’s part of the New York experience.”

City Councilwoman Gale Brewer has advocated for imposing bans on non-essential helicopter flights over urban areas, and has reportedly expressed concern for years. “I’d love to see a law in Congress signed by the president that says helicopters, non-essential, cannot fly over New York City or any other city,” she said.

Investigation Details

The helicopter allegedly lacked flight and onboard video recorders, complicating efforts to identify the crash’s causation. Recovery teams continue searching for missing parts. Investigators focus on the helicopter’s control systems and potential external factors like mechanical failures or bird strikes.

This incident, reported at 3:17 p.m. on the Jersey City side of the Hudson River, has raised questions about the safety of helicopter tour operations. Since 1977, New York City’s helicopter accidents have resulted in 38 fatalities, with a total of five tour helicopters falling into the Hudson and East rivers due to various issues over the last ten years.