A sightseeing helicopter carrying six people, including a family of five, crashed into the Hudson River after the pilot warned he needed fuel. The tragic incident occurred on April 10 near Pier 40, with witnesses reporting the aircraft breaking apart before hitting the water.
The victims included Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, along with the pilot. Escobar, a prominent figure at Siemens Mobility, had flown in from Barcelona with his family earlier that day. The helicopter had taken off from Wall Street Heliport for a tour of New York’s landmarks.
According to reports, the pilot radioed his base shortly after takeoff, stating he needed to refuel. Michael Roth, whose company operated the flight, confirmed the pilot never made it back. “He called saying he was landing, but he never arrived,” Roth shared, visibly shaken.
Videos and eyewitness accounts suggest the helicopter may have malfunctioned mid-flight, with its tail and rotors detaching. Roth admitted he had no clear answers but noted the main rotor blades were missing in footage of the crash.
Photos of the family before the flight have surfaced, showing them excited for their tour. The NYPD stated the aircraft lost control before impact, while witnesses described a horrifying scene as the helicopter split apart.
This heartbreaking accident has left many in mourning. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those lost.
