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NTSB says bird strike likely caused deadly Hudson River helicopter crash killing six

Deadly helicopter crash in Hudson River likely caused by bird strike, NTSB saysNYC sightseeing chopper likely hit birds before plunging into Hudson River, NTSB finds

A bird strike most likely caused a helicopter crash in the Hudson River near New York City last year, killing six people, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report released Thursday.

The discovery of geese remains on the wreckage strongly suggests multiple bird strikes contributed to the tragedy. This findings provides a definitive cause for the accident and informs future safety protocols for low-altitude sightseeing flights.

  • The NTSB was established in 1974 and has investigated over 14,000 civil transportation accidents since its founding.
  • Gifted pilots often avoid flying over the Hudson River during peak goose migration seasons to minimize strike risks.
  • The crash occurred approximately one mile from the battery, a historically dense area for both bird and aircraft activity.