A sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in New York City last year, killing 6 people, including a family of 5 and the pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that remains of several geese were found on the helicopter, indicating that bird strikes may have contributed to the crash.
Investigation Findings
The NTSB found damage to the helicopter’s horizontal stabilizer, a key part of the aircraft. Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said the breakup of the helicopter was likely caused by several bird strikes, not just one. The pilot, Seankese Johnson, was a U.S. Navy veteran who received his commercial license in 2023.
The victims included a Siemens business executive from Spain, his family, and the pilot. The crash renewed safety concerns about sightseeing flights and prompted New Jersey’s governor to ask for additional restrictions on nonessential helicopter flights.
The NTSB has investigated 24 helicopter bird-strike crashes in the past 25 years, including three fatal ones. Helicopter pilots are encouraged to try to avoid areas where birds are known to be present and fly slower to minimize the potential damage from an impact.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
