NTSB Gives Update On Hudson River Helicopter Crash
on Apr 11, 2025
No Preliminary Cause Of Helicopter Crash Offered By NTSB
In the wake of the Hudson River helicopter crash which killed six people, the National Transportation Safety Board held a press conference to provide an update on its investigation.
The Friday, April 11, press conference comes only a day after the tragic crash which left the pilot and a family of five dead.
While the NTSB has gathered “a lot of information,” Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, said her department does “not speculate.”
She prefaced her press conference remarks by thanking first responders and saying, “On behalf of the entire NTSB, our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones in this tragic event.”
Noting the investigation had not yet been going on for 24 hours, she said the initial response priority was the victims, and then wreckage recovery.
“The wreckage exam began this morning,” Homendy said. “Our team began pulling components in the engine off the wreckage and other components that they would like to, more closely, examine.”
NTSB is requesting that individuals from the public who may have photos or video of the crash, or information pertaining to the incident, reach out to the department.
“If something struck you as different or maybe you paused or it crossed your mind that maybe it’s something you would like to share with our investigators. There’s no downside, please, in sharing that information with us. You can be very helpful in providing that investigative information to the NTSB.”
Contact the NTSB with tips by emailing witness@ntsb.gov.
In response to a question, Homendy said that videos of the crash which have been sent in so far have been helpful to the investigation, but said many have been from too far of a vantage to be conclusive.
Videos of the Bell 206 L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter’s descent and crash were captured by some individuals below. These videos appear to show the helicopter’s fuselage falling into the Hudson. Moments later, the propeller and other debris can be seen landing in the water.
See some of the videos here — viewer discretion is advised:
JUST IN: 6 people are confirmed to be deceased in the Hudson River helicopter crash, according to the Associated Press.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 10, 2025
The chopper's propeller was seen detached from the helicopter, spinning into the water.
According to a witness who spoke with NBC, the chopper blade just… pic.twitter.com/EMpWMJC9el
She also addressed the subject of witness reports claiming a flock of birds were involved in the accident, but could not confirm the sighting.
As the press conference was underway, dive teams with the New York Police Department were still searching for parts of the helicopter. Homendy said the main rotor and tail rotor were among the components being sought.
NTSB’s involvement coincides with the United States Department of Transportation launching a Safety Review Team, as well as the FAA undergoing an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Tragic Helicopter Crash
At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, a tourist helicopter fell into the Hudson River. All six of the people onboard, including the pilot, were killed.
The five passengers killed in the crash were a family visiting New York City from Barcelona, Spain.
The father, Agustín Escobar, was the CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. Accompanied by his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, as well as their three children, the family was celebrating Montal’s 40th birthday. Various media reports have conflicted on the ages of the children, with some saying they were 11, 5, and 4, while other report they were 10, 8, and 4.
It was the family’s hope to see the Statue of Liberty from above, but their ride with New York Helicopters ended less than 30 minutes after it began.
Reactions To The Crash
Many have expressed their condolences to the loved ones of the crash’s victims.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on April 10, writing, “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River … The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims.”
Similarly, Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said on X, formerly Twitter, “An unimaginable tragedy. I sympathize with the victims’ loved ones at this heartbreaking time.”
Roland Busch, the CEO of Escobar’s employer, German-based Siemens, said on X, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Agustin Escobar, and his beloved family … Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Agustin’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We will miss him and his family immensely.“
This is a developing story. Check back on Country Rebel for updates.
