On April 10, 2025, a tragic helicopter crash occurred over the Hudson River near Manhattan, New York City, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. The victims included a Spanish family of five—Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Spain; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, an executive at Siemens Energy; and their three young children—along with the 36-year-old pilot.
Here are the pilot’s final radio transmissions before the tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River:
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“Landing now, I need fuel.”
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“Approaching the heliport, but I’m experiencing technical issues.”
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“I have a serious mechanical failure, I’m losing control of the aircraft.”
The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters and leased from Meridian Helicopters, had departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport for a sightseeing tour. Approximately 18 minutes into the flight, the pilot radioed that he needed to return to the helipad to refuel. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter experienced an in-flight breakup, causing it to crash into the Hudson River near Jersey City. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud noises and seeing debris before the aircraft plunged into the water.
Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are ongoing. Preliminary assessments suggest a possible mechanical failure, such as rotor separation or a phenomenon known as “mast bumping,” which can occur in helicopters with semi-rigid rotors like the Bell 206L-4.
This incident has brought renewed scrutiny to New York Helicopters, which has a history of mechanical issues and accidents. The company previously filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and has faced challenges related to maintenance and safety protocols.
The tragic loss of the Escobar family has elicited condolences from international leaders, including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who described the event as an “unimaginable tragedy.” Siemens has also expressed profound grief over the loss of their colleagues and their family.
As investigations continue, this devastating event underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures and oversight in the aviation industry, particularly concerning tourist flights over densely populated urban areas
