Warning: The following media shows a video of a helicopter crashing into the Hudson River. Viewer Discretion is advised.

Tragedy on the East Coast today as a private helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.

Helicopter crash in Hudson River
byu/RoyalChris inPublicFreakout

On April 10, 2025, a tragic helicopter crash occurred over the Hudson River near New York City, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board. The victims included the pilot and a Spanish tourist family of five, with three children. The Bell 206 sightseeing helicopter reportedly broke apart midair around 3pm ET before crashing upside down into the river, sparking an extensive emergency response. Most of the occupants were already deceased when recovered from the water, while two were transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.

Eyewitnesses described the helicopter spinning out of control and losing its tail and propeller before impact. The crash took place near a maintenance pier by the Holland Tunnel, an area frequently trafficked by aerial vehicles. This incident adds to a history of aviation accidents over Manhattan, including a 2009 collision and a 2018 East River crash that led to the banning of open-door flights in New York City. The cause of this latest crash is currently under investigation. ​

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. and was on a sightseeing route that included circling the Statue of Liberty. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure near the George Washington Bridge, leading to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident to determine the cause.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed their condolences, describing the event as both heartbreaking and tragic.

This incident has reignited discussions about the safety of sightseeing flights over densely populated urban areas. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.