New York Helicopter Company Suspends Operations Following Fatal Crash
New York Helicopter, the company behind the tragic tourist helicopter accident in New York that claimed the lives of five Spanish nationals and their American pilot, has announced it will cease operations immediately. This decision comes in light of a directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued on Sunday. The FAA confirmed via a message posted on the social media platform X that the tour operator involved in the heartbreaking incident in the Hudson River earlier this week would halt its activities while investigations unfold.
The federal agency stated that it would continue to provide support for the ongoing investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Furthermore, the FAA will undertake a comprehensive review of the company's operating license and safety records.
The announcement of New York Helicopter's operational suspension was made shortly after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer held a press conference advocating for the immediate revocation of the company’s operating certificate. Schumer criticized the firm for allegedly operating with minimal safety measures, stressing that the aircraft involved in the incident was 21 years old, leading him to question whether the company prioritized profits over the safety of its passengers.
The tragic accident occurred on Thursday when the helicopter experienced a significant midair malfunction, with witnesses reporting that parts of the fuselage were seen falling from the aircraft as it descended. Rescue operations were promptly initiated, with divers from both the fire department and the New York Police Department, along with assistance from Jersey City, recovering the bodies of all six individuals onboard.
The deceased included a family of Siemens executives: Agustín Escobar from Puertollano, Ciudad Real, and his wife Mercè Camprubí, along with their three young children, aged 10, 8, and 4. The pilot, Seankese Sean Johnson, was a 36-year-old former U.S. Navy pilot who also lost his life in the incident. This heart-wrenching event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety standards in the aviation industry.
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