N216MH Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV Helicopter Crash
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, a helicopter crash occurred in the Hudson River near Pier 40 in Jersey City, New Jersey, claiming the lives of all six occupants. The aircraft involved was a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter (registration N216MH), a light utility aircraft commonly used for passenger transport and air tours, operated by Meridian Helicopters LLC on behalf of New York Helicopters. The helicopter was completely destroyed upon impact with the water.
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
Incident Overview
At approximately 3:15 p.m. local time, emergency services received reports of a helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Responders were dispatched to the scene near Pier 40 in Jersey City, New Jersey, where they discovered the helicopter (N216MH) had gone down with six people on board: one pilot and five passengers. According to law enforcement sources, there were no survivors.
The aircraft had departed from Downtown Manhattan Heliport (KJRB) on a non-scheduled charter/air taxi flight and was scheduled to return to the same heliport. Video evidence shows the helicopter inverted without its main rotor blade assembly (the entire transmission) and tail rotor before impacting the water, indicating a catastrophic in-flight breakup. Weather reports from KJRB at the time indicated winds at 15010G18KT (15 knots with gusts to 18 knots), with visibility of 10 statute miles and broken clouds at 7,500 feet.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the crash. NTSB investigators have been dispatched to the site to conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage, review flight data, and analyze environmental conditions. Recovery operations are currently underway to retrieve the submerged aircraft (N216MH) for further forensic analysis, with particular attention to the separation of the main rotor assembly and transmission.
Aircraft Details
The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV is a renowned light utility helicopter widely used for passenger transport, air tours, and executive travel. First introduced as an upgraded version of the popular LongRanger series, the 206L-4 features improved performance capabilities and enhanced safety systems.
Type: Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV
Owner/Operator: Meridian Helicopters LLC opb New York Helicopters
Registration: N216MH
Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 52296
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Maximum Capacity: 7 persons (1 pilot + 6 passengers)
Cruising Speed: Approximately 125 mph
Phase of Flight: Maneuvering
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
While the LongRanger series has established a solid safety record over decades of service, the aircraft requires rigorous maintenance and operational oversight, particularly when used in demanding tour operations over urban areas.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB and FAA will investigate multiple factors to determine the cause of the crash:
1. Pilot’s Background
Reviewing flight history, training, and certification records
Assessing the pilot’s health and medical condition prior to the flight
Checking recent flight activity and experience with helicopter tour operations
2. Aircraft Condition
Inspecting maintenance records and any recent service performed on the aircraft
Evaluating the structural integrity of the helicopter post-crash
Investigating potential mechanical failures, including the rotor system, transmission, and engine
3. Environmental and External Factors
Reviewing weather conditions at the time of the flight
Checking if wind, turbulence, or visibility issues played a role
Evaluating airspace conditions and possible conflicts with other aircraft
Key Initial Findings
Video evidence shows the helicopter inverted without its main rotor blade assembly and tail rotor before impact.
The entire transmission separated from the aircraft during the in-flight breakup.
Weather conditions at the time included winds of 15 knots with gusts to 18 knots.
The aircraft (N216MH) was operating as a non-scheduled charter/air taxi service.
Authorities have requested that any witnesses or individuals with relevant information contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov. Additionally, flight tracking data, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts will be used to help reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments.
Community Impact and Safety Considerations
The loss of six lives in this accident has deeply affected the New York community, particularly those connected to the tourism industry and aviation community. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of:
Thorough Pre-Flight Inspections: Ensuring all systems are functional before takeoff.
Rigorous Maintenance Protocols: Following manufacturer guidelines for all service intervals.
Weather Awareness: Understanding conditions that may impact flight stability.
Passenger Safety Briefings: Ensuring all passengers understand emergency procedures.
Helicopter tour operations in New York City have faced increased scrutiny in recent years, with previous incidents prompting calls for stricter regulations and safety measures.
What Victims Should Know about Legal Considerations for Affected Families
Families affected by this devastating crash have important legal rights that must be protected. After such an accident, it’s critical to understand the proper steps to take:
- Preserve all communications with the tour operator, including booking confirmations, waivers, or other documentation. These materials may contain important information about assumed risks and liability limitations.
- Engage with an attorney experienced in aviation disasters before speaking with insurance representatives or accepting any settlement offers. Early offers often fail to account for the full scope of damages.
- Understand that aviation cases have strict time limitations. While the NTSB investigation continues, legal deadlines—known as statutes of limitations—continue to run, potentially limiting your ability to seek justice if you wait too long.
- Request all official reports as they become available, including preliminary NTSB findings and any FAA enforcement actions. These documents may contain crucial evidence supporting your legal claims.
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Hudson River helicopter crash?
The NTSB is currently investigating all aspects of the crash. While early reports suggest a possible in-flight breakup, investigators will examine mechanical systems, maintenance records, pilot actions, and environmental factors before reaching final conclusions.
Can families of the victims file a lawsuit?
Yes. Families have grounds for wrongful death claims against potentially responsible parties, including the tour operator, aircraft manufacturer, maintenance providers, and others depending on the investigation findings.
Are helicopter tours over NYC legal?
Helicopter tours over NYC operate legally under specific FAA regulations and local restrictions. However, this accident may lead to a reevaluation of these rules and potentially stricter limitations.
How long will the investigation take?
The NTSB typically issues a preliminary report within a few weeks, but the complete investigation with definitive findings on causation usually takes 12-18 months to complete.
What compensation might be available to affected families?
Families may be entitled to compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other damages. The specific amounts depend on multiple factors, including the victim’s age, earning capacity, and applicable state laws.
For ongoing updates, refer to NTSB reports and official aviation safety bulletins. Official information can be found on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov and the FAA accident investigation portal at www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident.
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams says a family of Spanish tourists, including three children, died Thursday in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River that killed six people. pic.twitter.com/07y6jRwQqf
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 10, 2025
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- Pilot Certificate Defense
- FAA Medical Denial
- Aircraft Crashes
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