NYC Helicopter Crash Kills Six, Prompts FAA Action

A sightseeing helicopter operated by New York Helicopter Tours crashed into the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, killing all six people on board, including Siemens Spain CEO Agustin Escobar and his family. Preliminary NTSB findings indicate the Bell 206L-4 helicopter broke apart midair into three major sections after witnesses heard several loud 'bangs.' The cause of the breakup remains under investigation, with a final report expected in about a year. The helicopter lacked flight data recorders, but the pilot's unrecovered computer-augmented sunglasses may hold valuable video and audio evidence. In response, the FAA has suspended the operator’s license, and the crash has reignited concerns over aerial tour safety in New York City. The incident also affected financial markets, with shifts in aviation stocks and cryptocurrencies.