NTSB Investigates Hudson River Helicopter Crash, Six Dead

A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that a helicopter carrying a Spanish family of five and their pilot crashed into New York's Hudson River on April 10 after suffering a catastrophic mechanical failure, likely in the rotor system. Witnesses described hearing loud bangs just before the helicopter broke apart mid-air, with images and reports showing the tail and rotor blades detaching before the fuselage plummeted into the river. The victims included executives Agustin Escobar and Merce Camprubi Montal and their three young children, who were on a sightseeing tour. Investigators face challenges due to the lack of onboard video or data recording devices, though the pilot's video-capable sunglasses were also not recovered. The accident occurred about 15 minutes into the flight, shortly after the helicopter reached the George Washington Bridge. New York City officials expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.