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Deadly New York helicopter crash in Hudson River last year most likely caused by bird strike, NTSB says
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report attributes the April 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash near New York City, which killed six people, most likely to a bird strike involving a flock of geese.
- Bird remains, including a severed wing, were found in the wreckage and surrounding area, with rotor blade fragments located about 2,000 feet from the crash site.
- A Smithsonian Institution specialist and NTSB lab confirmed the presence of bird remains in the helicopter debris.
- Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs and pops from the helicopter before it broke apart midair, and surveillance footage showed the helicopter breaking into three sections before falling into the river.
- The victims included a Spanish family of five, comprising three children, along with the pilot.
