Schumer urges suspension of New York helicopter company’s flights after fatal Hudson River crash that killed family and pilot

CNN - Apr 13th, 2025
Open on CNN

New York Senator Chuck Schumer has called for the Federal Aviation Administration to revoke the operating certificate of New York Helicopter Tours following a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of all six people on board, including three children. Schumer emphasized the company's history of safety incidents and criticized the industry's alleged prioritization of profits over safety. The crash involved a sightseeing helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River, with the victims identified as a family from Spain visiting to celebrate a birthday. The pilot, a former Navy SEAL, had recently been certified to fly commercial helicopters.

The incident has sparked calls for increased regulation and scrutiny of helicopter tour operations in New York City. Schumer has suggested a pause in all flights by the company while the National Transportation Safety Board conducts its investigation. This tragic event has reignited debates over the safety of helicopter tours, with city officials and trade groups weighing in on potential policy reevaluations and moratoriums on non-essential flights. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the helicopter's wreckage and maintenance records to determine the cause of the crash.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the helicopter crash, with a strong emphasis on factual reporting and engagement with the topic's public interest. It effectively uses credible sources and presents the story in a clear, readable manner. However, the lack of direct input from New York Helicopter Tours introduces some imbalance and limits the exploration of potential counterarguments. Despite this, the article succeeds in highlighting the broader implications of the incident, particularly regarding aviation safety and regulatory practices. Its timeliness and potential impact on public policy make it a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about helicopter tour safety.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article is largely accurate, providing detailed information about the helicopter crash, including the identities of the victims, the company involved, and the political responses. However, some areas require further verification, such as the exact cause of the crash and the specifics of the helicopter's maintenance history. The article accurately reports on the investigation by the FAA and NTSB, but lacks access to maintenance records, which are crucial for a complete understanding of the incident. The claims about previous incidents involving New York Helicopter Tours are consistent with known data, but the lack of direct comment from the company introduces a gap in the narrative.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including those of political figures like Chuck Schumer and Amanda Fariás, as well as the Eastern Region Helicopter Council. However, it leans towards highlighting the criticisms of helicopter tour companies without equally emphasizing the industry's defense. The absence of a direct response from New York Helicopter Tours or its CEO about the current incident creates an imbalance, as their perspective is represented only through past comments. This could lead to a perception of bias against the company.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clear, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the events of the crash and the subsequent responses. The language is straightforward and neutral, making the complex details of the investigation accessible to a general audience. The inclusion of background information about past incidents and regulatory changes enhances understanding without overwhelming the reader.

8
Source quality

The article references credible sources, such as statements from political leaders, the FAA, and the NTSB, which are authoritative in this context. The inclusion of comments from industry representatives adds depth, though the lack of direct quotes from New York Helicopter Tours or its CEO is a notable omission. The journalists involved are from a reputable news organization, which supports the overall reliability of the reporting.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, citing statements from public officials and industry representatives. However, it does not fully disclose the methodology behind some claims, such as the specific safety record of New York Helicopter Tours. The lack of available maintenance records is acknowledged, but the article could benefit from explaining why these records are restricted during ongoing investigations.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Hudson_River_helicopter_crash
  2. https://www.h2fc-tokyo.com/calendar_detail/id=966
  3. https://abcnews.go.com/US/helicopter-crashes-hudson-river-new-york-city/story?id=120691975
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=360367http%3A%2F%2Facecomments.mu.nu%2F%3Fpost%3D360367
  5. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/hudson-river-helicopter-crash/