Victims' Families and Congress Urge Helicopter Safety Reforms After Deadly Crash

Bipartisan Helicopter Safety Parity Act introduced to close regulatory loopholes and require sightseeing operators to meet airline-level safety standards.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:00pm

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An extreme close-up of a solitary sightseeing helicopter silhouetted against a city skyline, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the aircraft's fuselage, conceptually illustrating the need for improved safety regulations in the helicopter tourism industry.A solemn memorial to the victims of the 2025 Hudson River helicopter tragedy, as lawmakers push for new safety reforms to prevent such disasters in the future.Manhattan Today

Nearly a dozen members of the Escobar Camprubí family, who lost five family members in a fatal sightseeing helicopter crash on the Hudson River in 2025, joined their attorneys and U.S. Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Dan Goldman at an event to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. They called for Congress to pass the Helicopter Safety Parity Act, new bipartisan legislation that would require sightseeing helicopter operators to meet the same rigorous safety standards as commercial airlines.

Why it matters

The 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash that killed six people highlighted longstanding regulatory gaps that allow sightseeing operators to fly under less stringent safety rules than commercial airlines. This legislation aims to close those loopholes and improve safety for all passengers boarding sightseeing helicopters.

The details

The Helicopter Safety Parity Act, introduced by Reps. Nadler, Goldman, Malliotakis, and Menendez, would require sightseeing helicopters carrying fare-paying passengers to meet the same FAA Part 121 safety standards as commercial airlines. This includes mandating modern safety equipment, stronger maintenance programs, and pilot fatigue rules. The bill would also provide $50 million annually to fund FAA oversight and enforcement of the enhanced standards.

  • The fatal Hudson River helicopter crash occurred on April 10, 2025.
  • The one-year anniversary event was held on April 9, 2026.
  • The Helicopter Safety Parity Act was introduced in Congress on April 9, 2026.

The players

Escobar Camprubí family

The family who lost five members in the 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler

U.S. Representative for New York's 12th congressional district and co-author of the Helicopter Safety Parity Act.

Rep. Dan Goldman

U.S. Representative for New York's 10th congressional district and co-author of the Helicopter Safety Parity Act.

Gersowitz Libo & Korek P.C.

The law firm representing the Escobar Camprubí family and advocating for helicopter safety reforms.

Kreindler & Kreindler LLP

The preeminent aviation accident law firm representing victims of airline and helicopter disasters.

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What they’re saying

“No other family should have to experience the loss our family has experienced. Aviation safety is not a choice, it is a responsibility. Our prayer is that no family will have to endure what we have had to endure.”

— Joan Camprubí Montal, Speaking on behalf of the Escobar Camprubí family

“The regulatory framework governing the sightseeing helicopter industry has not kept pace with the responsibility these operators carry. We owe it to this family, and to every person that boards a sightseeing helicopter, to close this loophole once and for all.”

— Jeff Korek, Senior Trial Partner, Gersowitz Libo & Korek P.C.

“The Helicopter Safety Parity Act is a targeted, common-sense legislation designed to ensure that sightseeing operators are held to the highest possible safety standards, preventing tragedies like this from happening again.”

— Vincent Lesch, Partner, Kreindler & Kreindler LLP

“The 2025 Hudson River crash stands as a tragic reminder of the enduring impact of sudden loss. On this painful first anniversary, I offer my continued comfort to the family of the victims and commend them for turning their profound grief over their horrific loss into valiant advocacy for the safety of us all.”

— Rep. Jerrold Nadler

“For too long, sightseeing helicopter operators have exploited regulatory gaps to operate under lower safety standards than other passenger aircraft, and that is unacceptable. Every passenger deserves the same level of protection, regardless of the aircraft they board.”

— Rep. Nicole Malliotakis

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.