The tragic helicopter crash that claimed six lives over the Hudson River was preceded by a radio call from the pilot indicating he was returning to refuel, according to the aircraft’s operating company.
The aircraft, which had departed lower Manhattan just before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, went down into the Hudson at approximately 3:17 p.m., New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed during a press briefing.
All six individuals on board were killed, including Agustín Escobar, president of Siemens Spain, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, as confirmed by a city official. The pilot, whose identity has not yet been made public, was also among the deceased.
The helicopter belonged to New York Helicopters, a city-based tour operator. Company CEO Michael Roth, 71, said the pilot had communicated with the heliport shortly before the crash, stating he was en route back to refuel.
“He radioed that he was heading in to get fuel,” Roth told The Telegraph. “It should have been a quick return—just a few minutes—but when he didn’t arrive after 20 minutes, we knew something was wrong.”
The devastating loss has deeply affected the company’s staff. “We’re all heartbroken. My wife hasn’t stopped crying,” Roth said. “I was first alerted by a manager at our downtown heliport, who said she’d heard about a crash. Then my phone just exploded with calls. One of our pilots flew over the area and saw the helicopter upside down in the water.”
Reflecting on the tragedy, Roth added, “Losing a child is the greatest tragedy any person can endure.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified the helicopter involved as a Bell 206. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash.
According to NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, four of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining two were transported to a local hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.
Speaking with The New York Post, Roth noted a disturbing detail from video footage of the incident: “From what I saw, the main rotor blades weren’t on the aircraft during the fall. I’ve never seen anything like that in my 30 years in this business.”
He speculated that either a mechanical failure or possibly a bird strike could have occurred, but emphasized he had no definitive answers at this time.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation, and further details, including the reported fuel concerns, are yet to be confirmed by officials.
