What began as a scenic helicopter tour over New York City turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when the aircraft plunged into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board—including three young children.
The Escobar family from Barcelona—Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children ages 4, 5, and 11—had boarded a sightseeing helicopter around 3 p.m. on April 10. Just 16 minutes after takeoff, their aircraft vanished from radar after the pilot radioed low fuel and turned back toward Manhattan. Moments later, it crashed into the river.
Witnesses described a loud crack and debris falling from the sky before the helicopter spiraled down. Emergency crews were alerted at 3:17 p.m., but there were no survivors. Experts suspect a catastrophic rotor failure, a malfunction that makes recovery impossible. Weather conditions were windy and overcast, possibly worsening the situation.
The aircraft, a Bell 206 LongRanger operated by New York Helicopter, is typically reliable. The pilot—FAA-certified and experienced—has not yet been named. A video captured the final moments: the chopper spinning out of control before hitting the water and vanishing beneath the surface.
Agustin Escobar, a Siemens Mobility executive, was a prominent figure in sustainable transportation. His loss, and that of his family, sparked global mourning. Spain’s Prime Minister offered public condolences.
Photos taken just before takeoff show the family smiling, unaware of the fate ahead. Their joy-filled day became a sobering reminder of life’s fragility. As the FAA and NTSB investigate, the world grieves the lives lost far too soon.
