Bell 206 Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Today, 6 Presumed Dead

NEW YORK CITY- A Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River this Thursday afternoon (April 10, 2025) near Pier 25 in Lower Manhattan, with authorities confirming at least six fatalities.

Emergency responders from both New York City and Jersey City have mobilized for rescue operations at the scene.

Photo: By James from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire – G-NORK Bell Jet Ranger 206 Helicopter, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49275773

Helicopter Crash in Hudson River

Initial reports indicate that at least five people were aboard the aircraft when it went down in waters between West Street and Canal Street, with two survivors reportedly rescued so far.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the helicopter is now fully submerged in the river.

The incident occurred near the intersection of West Side Highway and Spring Street, prompting a massive emergency response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and other agencies.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter descend rapidly before impact, though official statements regarding the cause have not yet been released.

This crash bears similarities to a 2018 East River helicopter accident where strong currents contributed to multiple fatalities. That incident led to increased scrutiny of helicopter tour operations in New York City’s airspace, particularly regarding safety protocols and flight restrictions.

Investigation Details

The Bell 206 helicopter model involved in today’s crash is a light utility aircraft commonly used for both commercial and private operations. Similar to the Bell 206 L-4 utilized by some news organizations, this model typically accommodates up to seven passengers.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the FAA. Investigators will likely examine weather conditions, as gusty winds were reported in the area at the time of the incident, along with mechanical factors and pilot actions.

Rescue efforts continue on both sides of the Hudson River, with emergency personnel stationed along Pier 25 and corresponding areas in Jersey City. Maritime units have deployed to the submerged aircraft site, working against challenging river currents.

The crash has caused significant traffic disruptions in Lower Manhattan, particularly along the West Side Highway and surrounding streets. Authorities have advised commuters to seek alternative routes as emergency vehicles continue to access the area.

Photo: Sun Daily

Similar Incident

A Leonardo S.p.A AW189 helicopter (9M-BOF) operated by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) crashed at approximately 11:52 am today in the UniKL MIAT Hangar apron area near Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Subang, Selangor.

All seven individuals aboard the aircraft, including the pilot, three Fire and Rescue Department personnel, and four flight engineers, miraculously escaped serious injury following the incident that occurred during a maintenance flight test.

According to Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) CEO Capt Norazman Mahmud, the accident happened while the helicopter was in the landing process following a maintenance test flight. The Subang air control tower received immediate notification of the incident, triggering a swift response from the Airport Fire and Rescue Service.

Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft was not conducting normal operations but undergoing maintenance procedures that included ascent and descent testing. JBPM Fire and Rescue Operation Division director Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman confirmed the helicopter had been in service for a considerable period and experienced maintenance issues during the test flight.

Investigation Launched Into Hard Landing

The helicopter appears to have experienced a hard landing that resulted in broken rotors, though fortunately, it did not crash from a significant height. This factor likely contributed to all occupants avoiding serious injuries in what could have been a more catastrophic accident.

Following the incident, all seven individuals were transported to Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang, Selangor, for medical evaluation. Officials report all crash victims are in stable condition.

The Transport Ministry’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated an investigation in accordance with Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. This inquiry will examine all aspects of the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Leonardo AW189 is a medium-lift helicopter commonly used for search and rescue operations. This particular aircraft, with registration number 9M-BOF, had been deployed by JBPM for various emergency response missions before experiencing this unfortunate incident.

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