Edit General Articles

A devastating helicopter crash that claimed six lives in New York has prompted swift action from federal authorities, with the Federal Aviation Administration announcing the immediate shutdown of the operator, New York Helicopter Tours. The decision came just days after a sightseeing helicopter carrying a pilot and a Spanish family of five broke apart midair and plummeted into the Hudson River, leaving no survivors.


The crash occurred Thursday during what was intended to be a scenic aerial tour of Manhattan. The victims were identified as Agustin Escobar, 49, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, 39, and their three young children, Victor, 4, Mercedes, 8, and Agustin, 10. The pilot, Seankese Johnson, 36, was a recently licensed commercial pilot and a veteran of the U.S. Navy SEALs. All six died when the aircraft catastrophically failed in flight and disintegrated before impact.

The FAA’s announcement was made public via a statement posted online, revealing not only the closure of the company’s operations but also the initiation of an in-depth review of its license and safety history. This move came shortly after U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer urged federal regulators to revoke the company’s permits and temporarily ground its flights pending a full investigation.

Senator Schumer, speaking at a press conference earlier in the day, condemned the state of oversight in the helicopter tour industry, accusing operators of placing profits above passenger safety. He also demanded a broader review of safety practices across the sector, calling for increased FAA inspections and tighter regulations. Schumer emphasized the importance of preventing future tragedies, highlighting what he described as a concerning track record among helicopter tour operators in the city.

In the past two decades, multiple sightseeing helicopters have crashed in or around New York’s waterways, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Many of these incidents were caused by mechanical failures or human error, reinforcing growing concerns about the risks associated with these popular tourist attractions. The scenic flights, known for offering breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center, continue to draw thousands of visitors despite safety warnings.

The company at the center of this latest tragedy, New York Helicopter Tours, has come under intense scrutiny. While its president, Michael Roth, has yet to respond to inquiries, a statement on the company’s website confirmed it is cooperating fully with the ongoing federal investigation. Authorities are currently focused on recovering critical parts of the helicopter wreckage, particularly the main rotor and assembly gear box, which are expected to shed light on the cause of the failure.

In defense of the industry, the Eastern Region Helicopter Council responded to Schumer’s remarks by stating that New York’s sightseeing helicopters operate under some of the most rigorous safety standards in the aviation field. The council expressed its willingness to work with lawmakers and regulators to strengthen safety without undermining the viability of the industry.

Still, advocacy groups and local critics have long argued for stricter limitations or outright bans on nonessential helicopter flights over New York City. Despite efforts to impose flight caps, the industry has largely managed to sidestep restrictions by relocating some operations across the river into New Jersey, thereby avoiding municipal constraints. A 2016 city mandate capped departures from Manhattan heliports at 30,000 annually, but safety incidents have continued to occur.

One of the most notable accidents prior to this week’s tragedy happened in 2018, when a helicopter offering open-door tours crashed into the East River, killing five people. The crash was later attributed to a passenger’s restraint tether accidentally engaging a fuel shutoff switch. The investigation into Thursday’s fatal crash is still in its early stages, with federal officials working to recover all wreckage components to determine the precise mechanical or structural failure that led to the disintegration of the aircraft midair. As the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board dig deeper into the causes, the shutdown of New York Helicopter Tours signals a serious reckoning for the sightseeing flight industry, which now faces increased scrutiny and pressure to prioritize public safety over business interests.