Helicopter Crash Near Manhattan Results in Six Fatalities, Including Siemens Executive

By Trendy Daily News

A Bell 206L-4 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday, resulting in six fatalities. The incident occurred during an aerial tour of Manhattan.

The Occupants

The aircraft carried six individuals at the time of the incident:

• Agustín Escobar, 49, CEO of Siemens Rail Infrastructure
• Mercè Camprubí Montal, Siemens Energy global commercialization manager
• Three children, ages 4, 9, and 11
• Seankese Johnson, 36, pilot

Flight Information

The helicopter departed from a Manhattan heliport at 2:59 p.m. The flight path included:

• A route around the Statue of Liberty
• Northbound travel along the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge
• A southward turn

The aircraft crashed at approximately 3:15 p.m., near the New Jersey shoreline. According to observers, the helicopter experienced mechanical issues before entering the water in an inverted position.

Witness Observations

A witness, Sarah Jane Raymond Ryer, provided the following statement to CNN affiliate WCBS: “The helicopter was a little bit like nose down, slightly, and I saw the propeller separating from the helicopter. It kept spinning in the air alone.”

Investigation Status

Aircraft Specifications

• Model: Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV
• Manufacturing date: 2004
• Most recent major inspection: March 1
• Operational history: Seven completed tour flights prior to the incident

Current Findings

• The aircraft was not equipped with flight data recorders
• Weather conditions: 10-mile visibility
• Wind conditions: 10-15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph

Safety Record

Statistical data regarding helicopter incidents in New York City:

• 32 fatalities recorded in helicopter accidents between 1977 and 2019
• New York City Councilwoman Amanda Farías has requested a suspension of non-essential helicopter flights

Official Responses

• Siemens Mobility issued a statement expressing sadness regarding the incident
• Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the event

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.