In response to a tragic helicopter crash on Thursday that resulted in the loss of six lives, Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on federal authorities, specifically the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to suspend operations of New York Helicopters Inc. until a thorough investigation is completed.

“When you see that picture… it just totally breaks your heart,” Schumer stated, reflecting on the emotional circumstances surrounding the family’s final moments before departure.

Safety Concerns and Calls for Oversight

Expressing grave concerns about the company’s safety protocols, Schumer remarked, “The company was operating under the lowest bar of safety,” referencing that nearly 11 fatalities have occurred during its flights. He raised alarms about potential profit motives overtaking passenger safety, stating, “They could very well be putting profit over people.”

Tour Operators Respond

In the wake of the crash, some helicopter tour operators are reportedly continuing promotion activities, which has drawn ire from Schumer. He specifically highlighted FlyNYON Helicopter Tours for their efforts to entice customers with discounts up to 70 percent on similar rides, calling the promotion “outrageous and disrespectful” to the victims.

Calls for Increased Inspections

As part of his advocacy for heightened safety measures, Schumer is urging the FAA to enhance surprise inspections—termed “ramp checks”—on all helicopter tour services in the metropolitan area. These checks aim to ensure compliance with safety standards, akin to unannounced food inspections in the restaurant industry.

Concerns Over Aircraft Age

Further drawing attention to safety, Schumer pointed out that the aircraft involved in the incident was 21 years old, questioning the FAA’s oversight regarding older helicopters. He emphasized, “We can’t let this continue. It’s time for real reform in the helicopter tour industry.”

Details Surrounding the Crash

The ill-fated helicopter had undergone its last major inspection on March 1 and crashed during what was its eighth tour flight of that day. As investigations continue, the New York Police Department’s divers are actively searching for critical wreckage components, employing side-scan sonar technology to locate vital parts like the main rotor and tail boom.

Initial Findings from Investigators

Currently, investigators have retrieved several key parts from the crash site, including the main fuselage, tail boom, and various stabilizer components. Some of these elements will be sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for further examination.

Unfortunately, the helicopter was not outfitted with recording devices such as flight data recorders or onboard cameras, limiting the information available for analysis. Preliminary reviews of the operator’s safety protocols and pilot qualifications are already underway.

Victims of the Incident

The victims of the helicopter crash include:

• Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive from Spain
• Mercè Camprubí Montal, a global manager in the energy sector
• The couple’s three children: Victor, Augustine, and 8-year-old Mercedes Escobar Camprubí
• Seanqese Johnson, a 36-year-old pilot and former Navy SEAL

Tragically, young Mercedes was on the brink of her ninth birthday, which would have been celebrated the day after the crash.