Federal authorities are being urged to revoke the operating certificate of New York Helicopter Tours by New York Senator Chuck Schumer, following a tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River that claimed the lives of all six people on board, including three children. As investigations proceed, Senator Schumer has called for the suspension of all flights conducted by the company to ensure public safety.
Senator Schumer emphasized the need to halt operations until a thorough investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is completed. Highlighting a pattern of safety violations, he criticized helicopter tour companies for frequently manipulating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, potentially prioritizing profit over passenger safety. Schumer insists that revoking the operating certificate is a necessary step to prevent future tragedies.
The crash involved a sightseeing helicopter carrying Agustín Escobar, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children, who were visiting New York City from Spain to celebrate Camprubí’s 40th birthday. The pilot, identified as 36-year-old Seankese Johnson, had been certified to fly commercial helicopters since August 2023 and had accumulated 788 flight hours.
This incident adds to a series of aviation accidents in New York City; at least 32 people have died in helicopter crashes since 1977. A notable accident in 2018 led to stricter FAA regulations after five passengers drowned during a “doors-off” tour. Echoing these concerns, New York City Councilwoman Amanda Farías has advocated for a reassessment of current policies and proposed a temporary moratorium on non-essential helicopter flights from city-owned heliports.
In response to the crash, Senator Schumer also called for increased ramp inspections by the FAA to ensure compliance with safety standards among other helicopter tour companies in the city. However, this proposal has met resistance from the Eastern Region Helicopter Council, which argues that legislative actions should await the investigation’s findings to avoid hasty decisions.
New York Helicopter Tours, the company involved, has a history of safety incidents. In 2013, a helicopter was forced to make an emergency water landing, and in 2015, another incident involved emergency landing due to structural concerns. Despite these incidents, the company has faced criticism regarding maintenance and safety practices.
As the FAA and NTSB continue their inquiries, efforts are underway to recover crucial components from the crash site that could offer insights into the cause of the accident. The helicopter was not equipped with flight data or video recorders, complicating the investigation. Divers are set to revisit the site to retrieve key parts such as the main rotor and assembly gear box.
Impact on Daily Life
The recent helicopter crash in New York City raises serious concerns for residents and tourists alike regarding the safety of aerial tours. This incident may lead to stricter regulations and oversight for tour operators, potentially affecting the tourism industry that relies on these attractions. The increased scrutiny could result in higher operational costs for helicopter companies and possibly reduce the number of tours available to the public.
For New Yorkers, the call for a moratorium on non-essential flights could temporarily reduce noise pollution in the city, but it may also impact businesses and jobs associated with the helicopter tour industry. Ensuring passenger safety will likely be prioritized, which could lead to long-term changes in how aerial tours are conducted and regulated, balancing public safety with industry interests.
