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Hudson River: Aviation experts have suggested that ‘mast bumping’ could be the reason behind the tragic helicopter crash.
The crash killed all the six people onboard the helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River. (X/ Screengrab)
A family’s sightseeing trip in New York City ended in tragedy after a helicopter carrying the tourists crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday, claiming six lives — including three children. Among the deceased were Agustin Escobar and his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, both Siemens executives, their three children, and the pilot. Shocking visuals of the incident have surfaced online, capturing the helicopter moments before it spiralled out of control and plunged into the river.
While the main reason behind the crash is still unknown, many speculate that it could have been a case of mast bumping. Read along to know more about the incident.
Hudson River Helicopter Crash
The Bell 206 helicopter took off from a heliport in downtown Manhattan on Thursday for an aerial tour of the city, a report in USA Today stated. Pictures on the helicopter company’s website even show the couple and their children happily posing for pictures before the flight took off. As per the radar data, the helicopter flew north along the Manhattan skyline and then back south towards the Statue of Liberty. It was around 3:15 pm that it crashed near Jersey City, New Jersey.
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Many spectators at the spot watched the helicopter dropping upside down from the sky and slamming into the river, with fluttering debris scattered all over the place. Multiple 911 calls reported a helicopter crash in the Hudson River.
Mast Bumping: The Cause Behind The Crash?
While the cause behind the tragic helicopter crash is still being investigated, aviation experts have been weighing in on “mast bumping” as the main reason behind it. The well-known hazard of mast bumping is known for stemming from the physics of the rotor blades. It usually happens when the rotor blade tilts too far down, striking the helicopter, which can even cut its tail—something that appears to have happened with the Bell 206.
The National Transportation Safety Board is looking into the matter, with dive teams still searching the waters to locate the missing pieces of the helicopter.
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Victims Of Hudson Plane Crash
All six people aboard the sightseeing helicopter have been identified, including Agustin Escobar (49), his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal (39), and their three children, Mercedes (8), Victor (4), and Augustin (10). Accompanying them was pilot Seankese Johnson (36), who also lost his life in the accident. Escobar was in the city on business but extended the trip to celebrate his daughter’s birthday on April 11.
On the other hand, the pilot was a Navy veteran who held a commercial pilot certificate and had 788 hours of total flight time. He recently moved to the city. Out of the six people, four were declared dead on the scene, while two children were taken to local hospitals before they were pronounced dead.
Also Read: Hudson River Helicopter Crash Video Shows Propeller Spinning Out Of Control, Then A Fatal Plunge
Investigation: So Far
The NTSB officials have arrived in NYC to begin the official investigation into the crash that killed six people onboard. While the process still remains in the early stages, the team will look forward to every piece of information, including weather conditions, flight path, electronics, and maintenance records.
NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy, while speaking to the media, urged eyewitnesses to send photos and videos to help the team identify the cause of the crash.
