Adrian
New York Helicopter Tours, the operator of the helicopter that tragically plunged into the Hudson River near the New Jersey shoreline last Thursday, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board, has announced the immediate shutdown of its operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed this decision on Sunday, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation while conducting an urgent review of the company’s license and safety protocols.
The FAA stated, “We are already analyzing airplane and helicopter hotspots nationwide and will host a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to discuss findings, risks, and mitigation strategies. Safety remains our top priority, and we will take necessary actions to protect the public.”
The accident involved a **Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV** helicopter, which disintegrated midair before crashing upside down near Jersey City. Among the victims were **Agustin Escobar**, a Siemens executive; his wife, **Mercè Camprubí Montal**; their three young children; and the helicopter’s pilot, a veteran Navy SEAL.
The NTSB revealed on Saturday that the helicopter lacked flight recorders, and none of its onboard avionics captured data relevant to the investigation. Investigators are currently examining the aircraft’s flight control system and have recovered the main fuselage, cockpit, cabin, and portions of the tail structure. Some components will be sent to the NTSB’s Washington laboratories for further analysis.
Divers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) are continuing to search for the helicopter’s main rotor, gearbox, tail rotor, and additional sections of the tail boom. According to the NTSB, the helicopter underwent its last major inspection on March 1 and had completed seven tour flights earlier on the day of the crash.
The NTSB, FAA, Bell Helicopter, and Rolls-Royce are collaborating on the investigation.
**VIDEO:** [Click here for more details on the crash](https://www.foxnews.com)
**Sources:**
[Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)](https://www.faa.gov)
[National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)](https://www.ntsb.gov)
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
