New York sightseeing helicopter crash investigations are underway after a tragic accident claimed the lives of six people, including Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Mobility’s Rail Infrastructure division, his wife, and their three children. The crash occurred Thursday afternoon local time over Manhattan, as the family was on a brief tour to see the Statue of Liberty and the city’s skyline from above.
The helicopter, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV operated by New York Helicopter Tours, plunged into the Hudson River shortly after 3:00 p.m. Witnesses near Tribeca reported seeing part of the rotor detach from the aircraft before it spiraled down into the water. One bystander described the helicopter falling “like a rock.” The pilot was also killed in the crash.
Emergency services responded quickly, but all six individuals on board were either found dead at the scene or succumbed to their injuries shortly after being pulled from the water. The accident marks the most fatal civilian aviation incident in New York since 2018, when five people died in a separate helicopter crash in the East River.
Images shared by the tour company just before takeoff showed Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their children—ages 4, 5, and 11—smiling in front of the helicopter. The family had just landed in New York earlier that day from Barcelona and booked the short panoramic flight as part of their trip. According to reports, it was also the birthday of one of the children.
A Respected Executive and a Devastating Loss
Agustín Escobar was a prominent figure in international mobility and transportation, having led Siemens Spain since 2022 and recently promoted to a global executive role. His professional journey spanned over 25 years, with leadership experience in the U.S., Germany, and Latin America. His death has sent shockwaves through the Spanish business community and beyond.
His wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, was also a business executive and came from a notable family deeply rooted in Barcelona’s history. She was the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Agustí Montal Sr. and Jr., both former presidents of FC Barcelona. Her brother, Joan Camprubí, was a past candidate for the club’s presidency.
The family’s sudden and tragic passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and the public, as well as calls for increased scrutiny of helicopter tourism safety practices in New York City.
Ongoing Investigation into the Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a formal investigation. The helicopter had been leased from Meridian Helicopters, a Louisiana-based company, and reportedly had a troubled maintenance history. Previous mechanical issues were documented in 2010 in Chile and again in 2015 in New Jersey, both linked to faulty replacement parts deemed unfit for flight.
New York Helicopter Tours, the operator at the time of the crash, has also faced scrutiny in the past. In 2013, the same company was involved in an emergency water landing, and in 2019, it filed for bankruptcy citing losses due to city-imposed flight restrictions over noise complaints. The current crash has reignited concerns about regulatory oversight of air tours in one of the world’s busiest metropolitan airspaces.
Eyewitnesses described a disturbing scene as parts of the helicopter broke away midair. One individual reported seeing the tail and rotor come loose, with the blades still spinning independently of the falling aircraft. Videos posted to social media captured the wreckage hitting the water and rescue boats surrounding the overturned fuselage.
The area around the Hudson River crash site remained cordoned off for hours while recovery operations were underway. Delays to nearby street traffic and commuter routes were reported as emergency crews worked to retrieve debris and examine aircraft parts for forensic analysis.
Helicopter tours remain a popular attraction in New York City, with multiple companies offering flights from various helipads across Manhattan. However, this incident—alongside other past tragedies—has renewed pressure on city officials and federal regulators to reevaluate safety standards, flight route policies, and aircraft maintenance requirements for all commercial tour operators.
As investigations continue, tributes have poured in from Spain and around the world for a family whose lives were cut short in a matter of minutes. What began as a joyful sightseeing trip turned into a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that can lie behind even the most routine travel experiences.
Have you ever taken a helicopter tour in New York or another city? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
