A sightseeing helicopter operated by FlyNYON was forced to make an emergency landing on a pier at the Port Jersey Marine Terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey, on Tuesday morning. The pilot radioed air traffic control around 8:55 a.m., declaring a “mayday” and reporting that the aircraft had lost an engine and needed an immediate landing spot.
What happened
According to FAA records, the Bell 206L-4 helicopter descended onto a road that runs alongside the terminal. The pilot and co‑pilot – the only two people on board – were the only occupants. Radio communications indicated that both were OK after the landing.
Aerial video captured the aircraft perched on the pier, its tail appearing sheared off. It was not immediately clear whether the damage occurred on impact or beforehand.
Company response
FlyNYON, a Kearny‑based company that offers New York City tours departing from New Jersey, did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.
Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate the incident to determine the cause of the engine loss and assess any safety implications. No further details have been released.
Context for local readers
Bayonne’s Port Jersey Marine Terminal is a busy freight and passenger hub that sits across the Hudson River from Manhattan. While the terminal is primarily used for cargo, it also serves as a landing area for occasional air‑traffic emergencies due to its proximity to major flight paths.
Residents and commuters in the area were alerted to the incident by local news outlets and social‑media posts, but no road closures or disruptions to terminal operations were reported.
Safety reminders
Helicopter tours remain a popular way to view the New York City skyline, and the FAA continues to monitor the safety record of commercial sightseeing operators. Travelers are encouraged to follow any guidance from tour companies and local authorities in the event of an emergency.
The investigation will likely take several weeks, and the FAA will release a final report once it has completed its review.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
