Helicopter Crashes into New York’s Hudson River: What Happened?

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On April 10, 2025, a devastating helicopter crash in New York claimed the lives of Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Spain, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The family was on a sightseeing tour over the Hudson River when the helicopter went down, killing everyone on board, including the pilot.

Mercè Camprubí Montal held a senior position as Global Commercialization Director at Siemens Energy. She came from a prominent Catalan family and was the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of former FC Barcelona presidents. The family had arrived in New York earlier that same day and boarded a tour operated by New York Helicopter Tours.

The news has deeply shocked both the Spanish public and professional circles across Europe and beyond.

What We Know About the Crash

According to early reports, the helicopter lost control shortly after turning near the George Washington Bridge to follow the New Jersey shoreline. The aircraft, a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopters, took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 PM local time.

Roughly 18 minutes later, at around 3:17 PM, emergency services began receiving reports of a crash in the Hudson River. Rescue boats were dispatched immediately. “Rescue swimmers were in the water shortly after the call,” confirmed New York Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker.

@nbcnewsAt least four people are dead after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near New York City, officials tell NBC News. There were six people on board, and one person was pulled from the Hudson River; their condition is unknown.♬ original sound – nbcnews

Emergency teams searched the river for survivors and began life-saving procedures as soon as they arrived at the crash site. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene; two others were transported to a nearby hospital where they were later declared deceased.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation. The Bell 206 is a widely used model for sightseeing flights, news coverage, and law enforcement.

Authorities say the cause of the crash is still under investigation, and more updates are expected in the coming days.

Why Did the Helicopter in New York Crash?

While the official cause of the crash is still under investigation, early speculation points to a possible mechanical failure or loss of control during a routine maneuver. The fact that the helicopter went down shortly after making a turn near the George Washington Bridge suggests that something may have gone wrong during that maneuver—whether due to a sudden mechanical issue, unexpected turbulence, or even pilot disorientation.

Weather conditions on that day appeared stable, making weather-related factors less likely. However, helicopters flying at low altitudes over busy urban areas face unique risks, including bird strikes, sudden wind shifts between buildings, or undetected maintenance issues.

Experts also note that sightseeing helicopters often operate on tight schedules and undergo heavy use, which could increase wear and tear over time if not rigorously maintained.

Ultimately, a full analysis of flight data, maintenance records, and witness statements will be key to understanding exactly what went wrong.