UPDATE: 07 May 2025 – ADS-B flight track data

On April 10, 2025, a Bell 206L-4 helicopter with registration N216MH, operated by New York Helicopter Charter Inc., (shutting down its operations immediately, according to the Federal Aviation Administration), owned by Meridian Helicopters, LLC, based in Broussard, Louisiana, tragically crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, resulting in the loss of all six individuals on board, including the Escobar family of five from Spain and the pilot Sean Johnson.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings indicate that the helicopter was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders, nor were any onboard video or camera recorders recovered.

In the wake of such incidents, it’s imperative for the aviation community to refrain from speculation. Premature assumptions can lead to misinformation. The NTSB’s methodical approach ensures that conclusions are based on factual evidence.

From the videos and photos, it appears that the main rotor is intact, without any signs of deformation caused by a strike. It is still connected to either part or the entire main gearbox. The tail boom shows to be detached from the front part, near the connection to the fuselage.

Greek Helicopters is committed to providing accurate and timely information. We will continue to monitor the NTSB’s investigation and provide updates as new findings emerge. For those interested in following the progress of the investigation, detailed information will be available on the NTSB’s official docket ERA25MA171.

ERA25MA171 Investigation Docket

Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report

Official NTSB Photos

 

A preliminary report is expected by mid May 2025. The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash and any contributing factors will come in the final report, which is expected in 12 to 24 months.​

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.

 

UPDATES

14.04.25 – NTSB B-Roll

15.04.25 – Main rotor and gearbox recovered

The main rotor and roof structure from the helicopter crash have been recovered from the Hudson River. It could be the most important piece of evidence yet and is now in the hands of the NTSB after it was pulled from the water.

The recovered rotor mast, blades and main gearbox indicate that the main gearbox was still attached to its mounts. However, the main gearbox, along with its mounting assembly, was ripped out of the top of the fuselage, along with the top skin and framework. The blades show no indication of striking the tail boom. Those findings put to rest all the speculation on social media for mast bump.

07.05.25 – ADS-B flight track data

Figure above depicts the plot of the helicopter’s ADS-B-observed flight path for the final 1 minute of flight, with the reported time, altitude and groundspeed superimposed. As the helicopter approached the Holland Tunnel ventilation towers near Jersey City, New Jersey, it was at a geometric altitude between 625 and 650 ft. The helicopter’s altitude increased to 675 ft msl before it entered a rapid descent. The data ended at 1514:54.5 and the helicopter’s last ​observed altitude was 125 ft.