Five passengers who died in a helicopter crash into New York City’s East River on Sunday were strapped into the doorless Airbus AS350 by five-point harnesses and screwed-down carabiner shackles that required a knife to cut through the nylon safety straps that held the occupants inside, according to reports. When the single-engine helicopter went down in the frigid water, emergency floats kept it from sinking and the pilot managed to swim to safety, but the passengers had no way of quick escape. They were dragged by the river’s currents south for 50 blocks, upside down and underwater, before rescue divers reached them.
Helicopter Tour Industry Under Intense Scrutiny after New York Crash
Key Takeaways:
- Five passengers died in a doors-off helicopter crash into the East River because they were secured by harnesses requiring a knife to cut through, trapping them underwater while the pilot escaped.
- The incident highlights concerns about doors-off flights, traditionally for professionals, now being marketed to tourists with inadequate safety briefings regarding emergency escape procedures.
- The crash has brought intense scrutiny to the helicopter air-tour industry and federal regulations that allow such passenger restraints, prompting calls for stricter oversight and the suspension of the operating company.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
