Recovery Efforts Completed

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that the rotor system of the helicopter involved in last week’s crash has been successfully retrieved from the Hudson River. This recovery took place four days following the tragic incident that claimed the lives of all six individuals aboard.

Key Components Recovered

In addition to the rotor system, which comprises the transmission and roof beam, divers also managed to recover the tail rotor system. The main fuselage, including critical elements such as the cockpit and cabin, had already been retrieved prior to this operation.

The NTSB noted in their statement, “Key components of the Bell 206 L-4 helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River last week were recovered Monday, greatly aiding the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the fatal accident.”

Team Efforts in Recovery

The successful recovery operation involved divers from various agencies, including the New York Police Department, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management. The NTSB praised these teams for their efforts in bringing the wreckage to the surface, highlighting the collaboration necessary for such operations.

The recovered materials will be transported to a secure location for detailed examination, as officials continue to piece together the sequence of events leading to the crash. As stated by the NTSB, “Recovery efforts are now finished.”

Details of the Crash

The helicopter’s pilot, Seankese “Sam” Johnson, was conducting a sightseeing tour for a family of Spanish tourists when the aircraft experienced difficulties and crashed into the river on March 10. Among the victims were Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children.

Footage captured during the incident showed the helicopter descending rapidly into the shallow water near Jersey City, missing both its main rotor blade and tail rotor at the moment of impact. The NTSB has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash; notably, the helicopter did not have any flight records available for review.

Regulatory Actions and Company Response

In the aftermath of the crash, New York Helicopter Tours, the operator of the helicopter, has suspended its operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it would conduct an immediate review of the tour company’s license and safety protocols.