safety
NYC sightseeing helicopter likely hit birds before its fatal plunge into Hudson River, report shows
By Josh Funk, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 16, 2026
· 4 min read
The remains of several geese were found on a New York City sightseeing helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River last year and killed 6 people, investigators said Thursday, strong suggestions that multiple bird strikes contributed to the tragedy.Reports from the National Transportation Safety...
Key takeaway But they describe evidence that supports bird strikes before the helicopter plummeted into the river on April 10, 2025.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The recent findings on the NYC helicopter crash that killed 6 people last year have significant implications for San Antonio 's own helicopter tourism industry. As a city that attracts millions of visitors each year, San Antonio's popular sightseeing flights over its scenic hills and rivers may also be vulnerable to bird strikes. The Federal Aviation Administration's warning that helicopters are especially susceptible to bird strikes due to their low-altitude flights is particularly relevant to San Antonio, where helicopters often fly over the city's numerous parks and green spaces, which are known to attract large bird populations. Local aviation authorities and tour operators should take note of the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations for helicopter pilots to avoid areas with high bird activity and fly at slower speeds to minimize potential damage from an impact. By prioritizing safety measures, San Antonio can reduce the risk of a similar tragedy occurring in its own skies.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The remains of several geese were found on a New York City sightseeing helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River last year and killed 6 people, investigators said Thursday, strong suggestions that multiple bird strikes contributed to the tragedy.Reports from the National Transportation Safety...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Funk, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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