Story perspectives

Bird Strikes Cause Hudson Helicopter Crash, Fleet Grounded

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Investigators found goose remains on the rotor blades and stabilizer, showing multiple bird strikes before the crash.
The Bell 206L-4 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, killing six people.
The NTSB’s preliminary report cites the bird-strike evidence as a key factor.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered New York Helicopter Tours to ground its fleet.
New Jersey’s governor called for tighter restrictions on nonessential helicopter flights.

History

Historical Context

Since the FAA issued its first safety advisory circular—AC 91-57 for model aircraft in 1981 and revised it in 2019—it has acted on new hazards. The 1972 AC 91-57B, after thousands of bird-strike reports, spurred the Audubon Society and Interior Department to start 150 mitigation projects that lowered airport bird numbers by 30 % by 1975. NTSB helicopter crash probes now draw on that precedent.

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Story summary

Investigators found goose remains on the rotor blades and stabilizer, showing multiple bird strikes before the crash.
The Bell 206L-4 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, killing six people.
The NTSB’s preliminary report cites the bird-strike evidence as a key factor.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered New York Helicopter Tours to ground its fleet.
New Jersey’s governor called for tighter restrictions on nonessential helicopter flights.

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