A new theory has emerged regarding the Hudson River helicopter crash 2025, which left six people dead — including a Siemens executive, his wife, and their three children — during a family sightseeing tour in New York City.
The victims, Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, had just arrived from Barcelona for a celebratory holiday in the United States. The family had boarded the helicopter to mark the birthday of one of their young children, but the joyful outing ended in devastating loss.
At approximately 3:17 pm, the Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, near the Holland Tunnel. Disturbing video footage captured the helicopter in an inverted position as it struck the water. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft “fall apart” in the air, with its rotor and tail visibly detaching before impact.
A former military aviator has now put forward a theory suggesting catastrophic mechanical failure.
“The two main causes of this phenomenon are mechanical failure or excessive manoeuvring. Still, a full investigation is needed to understand why this tragedy occurred,” Jim Brauchle told the Mail.
“Having previously represented the families of tourists killed during a helicopter tour over the Hudson River, my heart goes out to the families at this catastrophic time.”
Different angles of the helicopter crash in the Hudson River. pic.twitter.com/qJRTQixRkh
— Johnny (@tallyman2023) April 11, 2025
The New York Fire Department confirmed that emergency response operations were centred at Pier 40 as teams raced to recover the victims. According to Spanish newspaper El Diario, the helicopter tour was intended as a special excursion to view the Statue of Liberty.
The flight, operated by New York Helicopter, was part of a popular sightseeing route. Tragically, the pilot also perished in the accident.
Dani Horbiak, a local resident in Jersey City, said she heard what sounded like “several gunshots in a row, almost, in the air.” When she looked outside, she saw the helicopter “splash in several pieces into the river.”
Another eyewitness said he watched the helicopter “falling apart” with both the rotor and tail section visibly detaching before the crash.
Flight Lasted Less Than 20 Minutes
The helicopter departed on a northern route along the Manhattan skyline before looping back south toward the Statue of Liberty. The entire journey lasted under 18 minutes.
By the time the helicopter began its descent, it had lost all key flight components. Eyewitnesses claim to have seen it disintegrate before it hit the water. Weather conditions at the time were moderate, with wind speeds around 9mph and temperatures at 10°C.
Some parts of the aircraft, including the skids, remained partially above the water. One clip appeared to show a propeller still turning at the time of impact, while other debris scattered nearby.
FAA and NTSB Investigations Launched
The exact cause of the Hudson River helicopter crash 2025 remains undetermined. However, both the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched full investigations.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the tragedy, stating, “Six innocent souls have lost their lives, and we pray for them and their families.”
Police advised the public: “Due to a helicopter crash in the Hudson River, in the vicinity of the West Side Highway and Spring Street, expect emergency vehicles and traffic delays in the surrounding areas.”
The aircraft is believed to have gone down closer to the New Jersey side of the river, directly opposite Manhattan’s West Village.
Siemens confirmed the identity of the victims in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.”
The mayor of Puertollano, Escobar’s hometown in Spain, described him as one of the city’s “most brilliant and committed sons.” The Puertollano City Council also praised his professional excellence in engineering and business management.
Merce Camprubi Montal, who died alongside her husband and children, came from a prominent footballing lineage. La Vanguardia reported she was the granddaughter of Agusti Montal Costa and the great-granddaughter of Agusti Montal Galobart, both of whom formerly served as presidents of FC Barcelona.
The tragic loss of the Escobar family has shaken communities on both sides of the Atlantic. A more detailed look into the victims’ background, including their ties to Spain and the family’s arrival in New York just hours before the flight, has been extensively covered in this report on the Spanish family killed in the NYC crash
Global Reactions and Condolences
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the tragedy on his Truth Social platform, stating: “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people- the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous.
God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!”
Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopters, which operated the ill-fated flight, was deeply shaken by the event: “I’m a father and a grandfather and to have children on there, I’m devastated. I’m absolutely devastated. I haven’t seen anything like that in my 30 years being in […] the helicopter business. This is horrific. But you have to remember something: these are machines, and they break.”
This incident marks one of the deadliest helicopter crashes in New York in recent memory. Since 1977, at least 32 people have lost their lives in helicopter-related accidents in the city. The last major crash occurred in 2019, when a helicopter struck a Manhattan skyscraper, resulting in the pilot’s death.
As investigators work to piece together what led to the Hudson River helicopter crash 2025, questions around aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, and sightseeing flight regulations are certain to resurface.
