Schumer aims to stop helicopter company's flights post fatal Hudson River crash

New York Senator Chuck Schumer is calling for the federal authorities to cancel the operating licenses of the company that owned the helicopter involved in the tragic accident in the Hudson River. This incident resulted in the loss of life of a family of five from Spain along with the pilot. During a press conference, Schumer urged the halting of all flights by New York Helicopter Tours while an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is ongoing. He voiced concerns about helicopter tour companies prioritizing profits over safety, leading to shortcuts being taken. Schumer also urged the Federal Aviation Administration to increase safety checks for these companies. The victims of the crash included Agustin Escobar, 49, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, 39, and their three children, Victor, Mercedes, and Agustin. The pilot, Sean Johnson, was a 36-year-old U.S. Navy veteran. Schumer emphasized the need to prevent such incidents from happening again to honor the memory of the victims. The crash has reignited safety worries surrounding helicopter tours in New York City, a popular attraction for tourists offering breathtaking views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Previous incidents over the last 20 years in the city's rivers have raised concerns over the safety of such ventures. Despite the accident, Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized the safety of helicopter flights, considering them an integral part of the New York experience. The president of New York Helicopter Tours, Michael Roth, has not responded to inquiries, but the company stated its cooperation with the investigative efforts. Industry representatives have defended their safety protocols, while critics have long pushed for stricter regulations or even bans on nonessential helicopter flights.