Families, Politicians Call for Stricter Helicopter Regulations After Deadly Hudson Crash

One year after a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing six, victims' loved ones demand new safety laws.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:35pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone helicopter hovering above the Hudson River, with the New York City skyline visible in the background. The scene is bathed in warm, golden light, creating a contemplative and melancholic mood.As the one-year anniversary approaches, the Hudson River helicopter crash tragedy continues to haunt New York City and spur calls for stricter aviation safety regulations.NYC Today

Nearly a year after a deadly helicopter crash in the Hudson River killed six people, including a family of five from Spain, their loved ones are joining New York politicians to call for stricter federal safety regulations on sightseeing helicopter operations. The Helicopter Safety Parity Act, to be introduced this week, aims to close regulatory loopholes that allow some tour companies to avoid more stringent commercial flight rules.

Why it matters

The 2025 crash highlighted concerns about lax oversight of the sightseeing helicopter industry, which some say exploits legal loopholes to avoid higher safety standards. Advocates argue these commercial operations should be subject to the same rigorous regulations as other passenger flights to prevent future tragedies.

The details

On April 10, 2025, a helicopter operated by New York Helicopter Tours crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board: the Escobar Camprubí family from Spain and the pilot, Sean Johnson, a U.S. Navy veteran. Now, nearly a year later, the victims' families are gathering at Hudson River Park to mark the anniversary and call attention to the Helicopter Safety Parity Act. This proposed legislation would require sightseeing helicopters to meet the same high safety standards as other commercial flights, including modern safety equipment like cockpit voice and flight data recorders.

  • The deadly helicopter crash occurred on April 10, 2025.
  • The one-year anniversary of the crash is on April 10, 2026.
  • The Helicopter Safety Parity Act is set to be introduced in Congress on April 12, 2026.

The players

Agustín Escobar Cañadas

A member of the Spanish family killed in the 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash.

Mercè Camprubí Montal

The wife of Agustín Escobar Cañadas, who was also killed in the 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash.

Sean Johnson

The U.S. Navy veteran who was the pilot of the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River in 2025, killing all six people on board.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler

A New York Congressman who will introduce the Helicopter Safety Parity Act.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis

A New York Congresswoman who will introduce the Helicopter Safety Parity Act.

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What they’re saying

“This is critical legislation that would close longstanding regulatory loopholes.”

— Rep. Jerrold Nadler, U.S. Congressman

“Many helicopter tour companies are exploiting a legal loophole to avoid more stringent safety rules.”

— Sen. Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

“These are commercial operations. They need to operate at the commercial level, but they're not. They're operating under the 25-mile exemption. That's not right.”

— Bruce Landsberg, Retired Vice Chair, NTSB

What’s next

The Helicopter Safety Parity Act is set to be introduced in Congress on April 12, 2026. If passed, the new law would require sightseeing helicopters to meet the same high safety standards as other commercial flights, including modern safety equipment and increased FAA oversight.

The takeaway

This tragic anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the need for stronger regulations in the sightseeing helicopter industry. By closing dangerous loopholes that allow some tour operators to bypass crucial safety measures, the Helicopter Safety Parity Act aims to prevent future crashes and protect both passengers and pilots.