Tragic Hudson River Helicopter Crash: Pilot’s Fuel Call Precedes Fatal Plunge, Killing Siemens Executive’s Family.
April 12, 2025
A scenic helicopter tour over New York City turned into a devastating tragedy on April 10, 2025, when a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV operated by New York Helicopter Tours crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people onboard. Among the victims were Agustín Escobar, a high-ranking Siemens executive, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, their three young children, and an unidentified pilot. The incident has raised urgent questions about aviation safety, with the pilot’s final radio call about needing fuel adding a layer of mystery to the investigation .
Key Details of the Crash
The Pilot’s Final Communication
Minutes before the crash, the pilot radioed the base to report he was landing to refuel. Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter Tours, stated the pilot expected to arrive in “three minutes,” but 20 minutes later, the helicopter had not returned . Witnesses and video footage later showed the aircraft’s main rotor blades detached mid-flight, causing it to spiral uncontrollably into the river near Jersey City. Roth described the rotor detachment as unprecedented in his 30-year career, suggesting possible mechanical failure or a bird strike .Victims: A Family’s Dream Trip Ends in Tragedy
The Escobar family, visiting from Barcelona, Spain, had embarked on the tour to celebrate Mercè’s 40th birthday and one of their children’s upcoming birthday. Agustín Escobar, 49, was the global CEO for rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, while Mercè worked as a commercialization manager for Siemens Energy. Their children, aged 4, 8, and 10, were also onboard . Heartbreaking photos captured the family smiling on the helipad moments before takeoff, underscoring the abruptness of the disaster .Flight Path and Catastrophic Failure
The helicopter departed Manhattan’s downtown heliport at 2:59 PM, following a popular sightseeing route past the Statue of Liberty and north along the Hudson River. After reaching the George Washington Bridge at 3:08 PM, it turned south along New Jersey’s shoreline. Witnesses reported the helicopter suddenly losing control, breaking apart mid-air, and plunging inverted into the river near Hoboken at 3:17 PM . Video evidence showed the rotor blades separating, leaving the fuselage defenseless against gravity .
Investigation and Lingering Questions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation, focusing on:
Mechanical Issues: The Bell 206L-4 model had two recent FAA airworthiness directives: one in 2023 addressing tail rotor drive shaft failures and another in 2022 requiring inspections for rotor blade delamination . Compliance with these directives is under scrutiny.
Fuel and Maintenance: While the pilot’s fuel-related call raises concerns, Roth emphasized the company’s adherence to safety protocols. However, New York Helicopter Tours’ history includes a 2013 emergency landing due to engine failure and a 2015 incident involving corrosion .
Environmental Factors: Weather conditions were cloudy with moderate winds, but no severe turbulence was reported. A bird strike remains a plausible theory .
Reactions and Aftermath
Global Mourning: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the crash “an unimaginable tragedy,” while Siemens mourned the loss of “exceptional colleagues” .
Safety Reviews: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a safety review team, noting the helicopter was in a “Special Flight Rules Area” without air traffic control at the time of the crash .
Historical Context: This marks New York’s deadliest helicopter crash since 2018, when five passengers drowned in the East River
The Hudson River crash has reignited debates about tourist flight safety and regulatory oversight. As recovery teams continue retrieving wreckage, the victims’ families await answers. For now, the haunting image of a rotorless helicopter spiraling into the river serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life—and the machines we trust to defy gravity.