NTSB Reveals Bird Strike Caused Fatal Helicopter Crash in Hudson River

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AI Summary
A sightseeing helicopter crash in the Hudson River last April, which resulted in the deaths of a family of five and the pilot, was caused by a collision with a flock of geese, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Bell 206L-4 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from Manhattan and encountered the birds shortly before it broke apart midair. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter fall dramatically into the water. The NTSB's extensive investigation, consisting of over 2,000 pages, does not yet determine a probable cause, but a final report is expected by the end of the year. This incident highlights the increasing number of wildlife strikes affecting aviation safety, with over 24,000 reported last year alone.
Key Details: • Helicopter crashed on April 11, 2025, after hitting a flock of geese. • Victims included three children and their parents, both Siemens employees. • The helicopter had completed seven flights on the day of the accident. • NTSB's final report on the crash is expected by the end of 2026.