Helicopter crash in New York
Credit: Reuters Photo
The Federal Aviation Administration said late Sunday that a sightseeing helicopter company was shutting down its operations immediately after a deadly crash last week on the Hudson River.
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, was carrying six people when it crashed into the river Thursday. None survived.
The FAA said in statement Sunday that it would launch an immediate review of the tour operator’s license and safety record, as well as cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the crash.
It was not immediately clear if New York Helicopter Tours had shut down voluntarily or under orders from the FAA. Reached by phone Sunday, Michael Roth, the company’s owner and CEO, declined to comment.
Earlier on Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on federal authorities to revoke the company’s operating license and stop its flights until the investigation was complete. He also urged authorities to intensify scrutiny of helicopter tour companies in New York more broadly.
“We know there is one thing for sure about New York City’s helicopter tour companies: They have a deadly track record,” Schumer said at a news conference.
The helicopter crash killed all six people on board, including the pilot, Seankese Johnson, 36, and a family from Spain.