The pilot involved in the tragic Hudson River helicopter crash on April 10, 2025, has been identified as Sean Johnson, a 36-year-old U.S. Navy veteran. Johnson, who had recently relocated to New York to advance his aviation career, was piloting a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter operated by New York Helicopter Tours when it disintegrated mid-air and crashed into the river near Jersey City, New Jersey.
After his time in the U.S. Navy, Johnson took on a variety of jobs, including on a TV show and as a bodyguard for celebrities, his estranged wife Kathryn Johnson tells ABC New York station WABC.
Also aboard were five members of a Spanish family, including Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 8, and 10. All six individuals perished in the incident.
Investigation and Aftermath
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation into the crash. Initial findings indicate that the helicopter was not equipped with flight recorders, complicating efforts to determine the cause of the accident. While most of the wreckage has been recovered, including the main fuselage and vertical fin, key components such as the main rotor and gearbox are still being sought using sonar technology.
In response to the crash, the FAA has ordered New York Helicopter Tours to cease operations immediately and is reviewing the company’s safety record and license. Senator Chuck Schumer has called for a comprehensive evaluation of the helicopter tour industry to ensure passenger safety.
Community Reactions
The incident has drawn widespread condolences from both domestic and international communities. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sympathies, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families of those who were onboard.” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the crash as “an unimaginable tragedy”
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB continues to examine the wreckage and interview witnesses as part of its investigation. The absence of flight recorders presents a significant challenge, but authorities remain committed to uncovering the cause of the crash to prevent future tragedies.
