Investigators Probe Deadly Hudson River Helicopter Crash and Company Safety Record

Helicopter Crash Investigation

• 🔍 Federal investigators are examining the cause of a helicopter crash that occurred on the Hudson River.
• 💥 The helicopter reportedly broke apart in midair, leading to the fatal incident.

Company's Safety History

• 📄 Eyewitness News found the helicopter company has a fairly strong safety record with only two NTSB reports over 30 years.
• ⚠️ A 2015 incident involved a hard landing due to an incorrectly repaired part marked with a red 'X', indicating it should not be used.
• 🌊 In 2013, a similar helicopter operated by the same company made an emergency water landing, but all occupants were safe as the floats inflated.

Previous Incidents and Mechanical Issues

• ⚙️ Both previous safety incidents, in 2015 and 2013, were linked to mechanical issues.
• ✈️ The 2013 emergency landing involved the same model aircraft and tour company as the recent crash.
• 🛠️ A federal report on a 2015 hard landing in New Jersey cited the deliberate concealment and reuse of an unairworthy tailrotor drive shaft.

Expert and Pilot Perspectives

• 👨‍✈️ A pilot involved in the 2013 emergency landing described the event as a fluke and an anomaly, stating he had never seen an aircraft come apart in midair.
• 🧐 Aviation experts suggest that two accidents in 30 years are not typically a cause for concern, but the recent crash, with parts detaching midair, is considered unprecedented.
• 🧰 Despite past incidents, a former pilot expressed no doubts about the maintenance practices of New York helicopters during their tenure.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns

• 🌊 Divers are searching the Hudson River for detached rotors and blades, crucial components for understanding the cause of the detachment.
• 🚨 The NTSB has a history of concerns regarding varying safety inspection requirements for different types of helicopter operations.