A sightseeing helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River last month, killing six people, suddenly separated into three major sections before impact, a preliminary report from the NTSB found. The National Transportation Safety Board released its initial findings Wednesday regarding the April 10, 2025, incident involving a tour flight near New York City.
The aircraft, carrying a pilot and a family of five, broke apart in midair following multiple loud bangs reported by witnesses. The wreckage was identified in three main parts: the fuselage with the engine, the main rotor system, and the tail boom with the tail rotor, according to the preliminary findings released Wednesday.
Investigators determined the flight traveled a path south of the Statue of Liberty before proceeding north along the east shore of the river, past the George Washington Bridge. The helicopter then made a U-turn toward New Jersey, increasing altitude to 675 feet just before a rapid descent.
Parts of the helicopter were recovered from the river and were also found on a rooftop near the Hoboken Terminal. The report noted that the aircraft was not equipped with video or data recording devices.
The pilot was wearing computer-augmented sunglasses with recording capabilities, but these glasses were not recovered. The report stated the pilot worked a schedule of 10 days on and 10 days off, and the crash occurred on his first day back at work, during his eighth tour flight of the day on the same helicopter.
The preliminary report does not state a cause for the crash. A probable cause determination is expected to take approximately one year as the NTSB investigation continues.
The final report will detail factors contributing to the separation and subsequent crash. Emergency personnel worked at the scene following the incident helicopter crash on the Hudson River. Authorities and investigators continue their work photos show nyc tour helicopter.
