New York City, New York — Federal investigators say a bird strike was the likely cause of the devastating helicopter crash that sent a sightseeing aircraft plunging into the Hudson River last year, killing six people, including a Spanish family of five and the pilot.
The findings were released Thursday in a new report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which outlines evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation into the April 2025 tragedy.
The crash shocked New York City and drew international attention after claiming the lives of an entire family visiting from Spain along with the helicopter’s pilot.
Bird Strike Evidence Found During Investigation
According to the NTSB, investigators discovered bird remains both inside the wreckage and at the crash scene, providing strong evidence that the helicopter struck a bird shortly before it went down…