Hudson River Helicopter Crash Near Manhattan Kills 6
New York: A helicopter plunged into the Hudson River near Manhattan on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least six people, according to various media reports. The tragic incident adds to a growing list of aviation accidents in the U.S. in recent months. Shocking footage shared on social media captured the moment the aircraft broke apart mid-air and its debris crashed into the river.
The helicopter reportedly split in half upon impact, with video clips showing the aircraft spiraling erratically before vanishing into the fog. Witnesses described hearing a “loud thumping noise” and noticing what looked like a malfunctioning rotor blade.
BREAKING: A helicopter crashed in the Hudson River near New York City on Thursday afternoon, and fatalities have been reported, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
— ABC News (@ABC) April 10, 2025
At least four people were on board, according to fire officials. https://t.co/Ddfy1Z72Jb pic.twitter.com/zoSGmftgDX
Fire department officials confirmed the crash occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. (ET) near Pier 40 at West Houston Street and West Street. They noted that at least four people were aboard the helicopter at the time.
Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 identified the aircraft as a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV with the registration number N216MH. “We’re following reports of a helicopter crash in the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey… based on ADS-B data and SAR activity, we believe the aircraft involved to be N216MH,” the platform posted.
The exact cause of the mid-air failure remains unknown. However, a video circulating on X shows the helicopter flying erratically just moments before the crash, struggling in the fog.
Reacting to the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and called the footage of the crash “horrendous.” Posting on TruthSocial, he said: “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements… will be made shortly.”
Aviation analyst Peter Goelz told CNN that rescue efforts were complicated by poor visibility and heavy silt in the water. “It is extraordinarily difficult to find things in the water… the water is very cloudy in the Hudson,” Goelz explained. He also mentioned that divers would need to be mobilized, which could delay recovery efforts.
The fatal crash occurred just hours after two American Airlines jets—carrying members of Congress—made contact on the tarmac at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.