Bird Strikes May Have Triggered Deadly NYC Helicopter Crash That Killed Family of Five and Pilot.

A new investigation into the tragic New York City sightseeing helicopter crash that claimed six lives has revealed compelling evidence that multiple bird strikes may have caused the aircraft to break apart before plunging into the Hudson River.

According to newly released National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigative reports, the remains of several geese were discovered on the Bell 206L-4 helicopter’s main rotors and left horizontal stabilizer following the April 10, 2025, crash. While investigators have not yet determined the official cause, the findings strongly suggest the helicopter collided with multiple birds moments before the accident.

One eyewitness reported seeing a large flock of geese take flight just before hearing a loud “bang.”

“The geese were big and there were many of them. When the helicopter went bang, I immediately thought it was a bird strike,” the witness told investigators.

The Smithsonian Institution’s Feather Identification Lab identified bird remains from multiple goose species, including a female Canada goose, which can weigh nearly 8 pounds.

Aviation safety expert and former federal crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti said the damage points toward several bird strikes rather than a single impact.

“The breakup of that helicopter was precipitated by several bird strikes,” Guzzetti said, noting that damage to the helicopter’s horizontal stabilizer could have made the aircraft uncontrollable.

The crash killed pilot Seankese Johnson, a 36-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, along with Spanish Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children, Victor (4), Mercedes (, and Agustin (10).

The report also noted that the helicopter’s bird-deterrent pulsing light switch was missing. Investigators were told the lighting system was not required for daytime sightseeing flights.

The tragedy reignited concerns over the safety of sightseeing helicopter operations over New York City. Following the crash, New York Helicopter Tours ceased operations, and the FAA grounded the company’s fleet after alleging the company retaliated against its operations director for agreeing to suspend flights during the investigation.

The NTSB’s final report, which will determine the probable cause of the accident and any contributing factors, is still pending.