New York Helicopter Tours Suspends Operations After Hudson Crash Kills 6

New York Helicopter Tours has ceased operations following a tragic crash on April 10 that killed six people, including a family of five from Spain and the pilot. The incident occurred during a sightseeing tour when the helicopter, identified as a Bell 206L-4, experienced a fuel emergency and crashed into the Hudson River. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the company's closure and announced an investigation into its safety practices, while Senator Chuck Schumer has called for a review of the company's operating certificate. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are searching for debris and noted the absence of flight recorders, which may hinder the investigation. The FAA is hosting a safety panel to address helicopter safety and is assessing flight hotspots nationwide. The crash has raised concerns over the safety regulations governing helicopter tours in New York City, where previous incidents have occurred over the past two decades.