New Details Emerge in Fatal April 10 Helicopter Crash Over Hudson River
NTSB report reveals images of helicopter breakup; the crash killed six people, including a prominent family from Spain.
Overview
A preliminary NTSB report on the April 10 helicopter crash over the Hudson River reveals new images depicting the aircraft’s catastrophic breakup midair. The helicopter, a Bell 206L-4, was seen yawing severely and separating from its tail shortly before plunging into the river, resulting in the deaths of six people. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs before the accident. Pilot Seankese Johnson, a former Navy SEAL with limited experience flying this model, had logged only 790 flight hours. The NTSB is investigating mechanical issues linked to the aircraft's prior transmission assembly problems and the pilot's use of unreported augmented sunglasses.
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Analysis
- The NTSB released preliminary images of the helicopter crash showing it breaking apart midair, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation to determine the cause.
- Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs just before the helicopter broke apart, indicating potential mechanical failure.
- The pilot of the helicopter, who was relatively inexperienced with this type of aircraft, had logged only 50 hours flying a Bell 206L-4, raising concerns about the safety protocols in place.
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Associated Press·2M·FAQ
The NTSB is investigating mechanical issues possibly linked to prior transmission assembly problems of the Bell 206L-4, though the exact cause has not yet been determined. Witnesses reported loud bangs and images show the helicopter broke apart midair, with the main rotor and tail separating from the fuselage.
Pilot Seankese Johnson had logged only 790 flight hours and was a former Navy SEAL. Concerns include his limited experience flying the Bell 206L-4 model, and the NTSB is also reviewing the potential influence of unreported augmented sunglasses.
No, the helicopter was not equipped with any flight recorders or onboard video recorders, and none have been recovered.
Emergency responders conducted search and recovery operations in the Hudson River. Divers entered the frigid waters to recover debris and components, and the Coast Guard maintained a safety zone around the crash site. All six victims were recovered, with some pronounced dead at the scene and others later at a nearby hospital.
The victims included the pilot, a former Navy SEAL, and a family of five from Spain. The family was visiting and on a sightseeing tour at the time of the accident.
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