safety
Tourist helicopter hit flock of birds before crashing into the Hudson River last April, NTSB says
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 16, 2026
· 3 min read
By Alexandra Skores, CNN
Washington (CNN) — A sightseeing helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River near New York City last year, killing a family of five and the pilot, crashed after hitting a flock of geese, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a series of investigative report...
Key takeaway The Bell 206L-4, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from lower Manhattan on April 11, 2025, circling the Statue of Liberty, before flying north along the Hudson River.
Why this matters in The El Paso
While the NTSB's investigation into the Hudson River helicopter crash is centered in New York, the findings have implications for El Paso 's own aviation community. Bird strikes are a concern for aircraft operators everywhere, including those in El Paso County. The city's proximity to the Rio Grande and surrounding desert landscapes creates a unique environment where birds and aircraft can intersect. Local helicopter operators and pilots should take note of the NTSB's investigation and consider the potential risks of bird strikes in the El Paso area. As the NTSB works to determine the probable cause of the crash, El Paso's aviation community can learn from the incident and take steps to mitigate similar risks, such as reviewing bird strike protocols and ensuring that pilots are trained to respond to such emergencies.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Alexandra Skores, CNN
Washington (CNN) — A sightseeing helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River near New York City last year, killing a family of five and the pilot, crashed after hitting a flock of geese, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a series of investigative report...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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