A Bell 206L-4 sightseeing helicopter operated by New York Helicopters broke apart in midair on April 10 during a tour of the Manhattan skyline. The aircraft had been flying for about 18 minutes when it suddenly failed and plunged into the Hudson River about 75 feet (22 meters) from the Jersey City waterfront, killing all six people on board, including the pilot and a visiting family from Barcelona.
The tragedy renewed concerns about the risks of sightseeing flights over heavily populated areas. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report confirmed the midair failure; the cause remains under investigation.
- Governor Phil Murphy wants the FAA to restrict nonessential helicopter flights in New Jersey after a tragic NYC sightseeing crash killed six.
- Murphy suggests rerouting flights, reducing operating hours, and cutting overall flight numbers to improve safety.
- Aviation groups highlight a recent local agreement that already reduced flights, raising questions about next steps.
Governor Murphy’s Call for Federal Restrictions
On August 18, Governor Phil Murphy sent a letter to the FAA urging stricter oversight of non-essential helicopter operations in New Jersey, including routing flights over Newark Bay and limiting hours to 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
In his letter, Murphy noted the April 10 crash involved a helicopter based at the Kearny heliport, though, according to the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report, the accident flight departed from the Downtown Manhattan/Wall Street Heliport before crashing into the Hudson River near Jersey City. He warned that if a similar incident were to occur over land in densely populated places such as Jersey City or Hoboken, the outcome could be even more destructive.
As part of his recommendations, Murphy proposed rerouting flights from Kearny to travel over Newark Bay instead of directly above residential neighborhoods. He also asked the FAA to restrict nonessential helicopter operations to the hours between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. His proposals drew comparisons to the FAA’s 2023 decision to impose a cap on tourist flights over Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
FAA Response and Current Aviation Rules
The FAA responded in a statement issued Thursday, saying it would reach out directly to Murphy. The agency also explained that helicopters operate under different rules than airplanes. Under 14 CFR §91.119, helicopters may fly below standard minimum altitudes if the operation does not create a hazard to people or property on the ground. Airplanes are required to fly at least 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the highest obstacle when flying over populated areas, while helicopters are not subject to such altitude minimums.
Industry Group Points to Earlier Agreement
Vertical Aviation International, a trade group representing helicopter operators, responded to Murphy’s request. The group pointed out that the Kearny heliport had already reached an agreement in June with Hudson County and local officials. That deal cut flights “by the thousands” and also included a promise not to bring in an additional tour company.
VAI spokesperson Bailey Wood said safety and community relations are core priorities for the industry. He explained that operators have worked with local communities for years to find a balance between public concerns and the services helicopters provide. He also said that Murphy may not have been aware of the June agreement when he sent his letter to the FAA.
