6 Dead, Including 3 Children, After Helicopter Crashes into Hudson River
New York City — A helicopter carrying six people crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan late Wednesday afternoon, killing all on board, including three children, according to city officials.
The aircraft, identified as a private charter helicopter, went down shortly after 4:15 p.m. near the West 30th Street Heliport. Emergency crews responded within minutes, but there were no survivors.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Mayor Eric Adams during a press briefing Wednesday evening. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, especially those mourning the loss of children.”
The names and ages of the victims have not yet been released, pending family notification. Authorities confirmed the pilot was among the dead.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter appear to struggle in the air moments before spiraling downward and slamming into the river, sending a spray of water into the air.
“I heard the engine sputter, and then it just dropped,” said James Lin, who was walking along the Hudson River Greenway. “It was terrifying.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint inquiry into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest the pilot may have attempted an emergency landing on the water.
Weather conditions at the time were clear with light winds, though investigators will examine all possible factors, including mechanical failure and pilot error.
The helicopter was operated by SkyLink Aviation Services, a company that offers sightseeing and private charter flights across the New York City region. The company issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledging full cooperation with investigators.
Grief counselors have been made available for the families and for bystanders who witnessed the crash.
This is the deadliest helicopter crash in the Hudson River since 2009, when a sightseeing chopper collided mid-air with a small plane, killing nine people.
