The NYC helicopter tourism industry, which sees around 30,000 flights annually, is once again under scrutiny after a sightseeing tour ended in tragedy on April 10. The crash claimed six lives, including a Spanish tech executive, Agustin Escobar, his wife, their three children, and the pilot.
The family had boarded the helicopter operated by New York Helicopter for what was advertised as an “experience you don’t want to miss” with “an industry-leading safety record.” Minutes later, the aircraft plunged into the Hudson River.
New York Helicopter Tours CEO Michael Roth told the New York Post he was “devastated,” speculating possible causes such as a bird strike or rotor failure but admitting, “I don’t know.”
A Pattern of Tragedy
This crash has reignited concerns about the safety of helicopter tourism in the city. Between 1977 and 2019, at least 32 people died in helicopter crashes in NYC. With the latest accident, the total rises to 38.
In 2018, a Liberty Helicopters flight crashed into the East River, killing five passengers. They drowned after being trapped by safety harnesses. The incident led to an FAA ban on open-door flights. The company has had three crashes in 11 years, including a fatal 2009 midair collision that killed nine. Despite the history, Liberty Helicopters still operates today.
In another 2019 incident, a helicopter crashed into a Manhattan building rooftop, killing the pilot.
Noise and Safety Concerns
Even flights that land safely stir controversy. Sightseeing helicopters must fly low to avoid air traffic, adding to city noise. Residents have long voiced frustration, leading to some restrictions:
- Flights must depart from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
- Operating hours are limited to Monday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Flights are banned over land and follow a designated route around lower Manhattan, Liberty Island, and along the Hudson.
However, helicopters from other NYC airports are not subject to the same flight path restrictions.
Push for Regulation
Efforts to curb tourist helicopter flights have been ongoing for over 15 years. The group Stop the Chop has led calls to ban nonessential flights entirely. Their advocacy led to bans on short flights (under 8 minutes) in 2010 and Sunday operations in 2016.
In 2023, lawmakers introduced the Safe and Quiet Skies Act, which aimed to require higher-altitude, quieter flights. Though the bill failed, it’s being revisited after the recent crash.
“This heartbreaking incident was not only devastating — it was foreseeable,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler. “Our skies remain largely unregulated, governed by outdated flight rules and minimal oversight.”
As investigations continue, the future of NYC’s helicopter tourism industry faces mounting pressure for reform.
