New York Helicopter Charter, Inc. has been ordered to cease operations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after one of its helicopters crashed into the Hudson River last week, resulting in the tragic deaths of a family of five and the pilot. The emergency order underscores growing scrutiny over the company’s safety protocols and operational management.
The FAA’s decision comes in the wake of the company’s controversial dismissal of its Director of Operations, who had voluntarily grounded flights following the crash. In a statement, the FAA emphasized that the suspension is partially due to the executive’s termination after he took proactive safety measures.
The ill-fated aircraft, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, disintegrated midair during a New York City tour on Thursday afternoon before plunging upside down into the river near Jersey City, New Jersey. Among the victims were Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal; their three young children; and the pilot, a Navy SEAL veteran.
The FAA has launched a comprehensive review of the company’s operations under its Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (CHEP). This assessment aims to determine compliance with federal regulations, evaluate safety management practices, and identify potential hazards and risks. Additionally, the FAA has ordered New York Helicopter Charter to surrender its Air Carrier Certificate pending the outcome of the review.
The agency is also intensifying its nationwide analysis of aviation hotspots and will convene a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to discuss findings, risks, and mitigation strategies. “Safety is the FAA’s number one priority, and we will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public,” the agency stated.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash, with the FAA providing full support. “Everything is on the table,” an NTSB spokesperson affirmed, as investigators work to determine the cause of the catastrophic failure.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and raised urgent questions about oversight and safety practices in the helicopter charter industry. New York Helicopter Charter remains suspended until it demonstrates compliance with FAA standards and reinstates necessary personnel and safety measures.
**Sources:**
– [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
– [FAA Statement](https://www.faa.gov)
– [NTSB Investigation Update](https://www.ntsb.gov)