NEW YORK - The main rotor of the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River earlier this week has been successfully recovered, authorities announced. The helicopter, which was conducting a sightseeing tour, reportedly disintegrated in mid-air, with the rotor separating before the main body of the aircraft crashed into the water.
Recovery teams located the rotor several hundred yards from the main wreckage site. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now analyzing the recovered component as part of its ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident. Investigators hope the rotor will provide key insights into the events leading up to the crash.
"The recovery of the main rotor is a significant step forward in our investigation," said a spokesperson for the NTSB. "We will be conducting a thorough examination of the rotor to determine if any mechanical failures or other issues contributed to the accident."
The helicopter was carrying five passengers in addition to the pilot. The investigation is ongoing.
Helicopter Rotor Recovered After Hudson River Crash
The main rotor from a sightseeing helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River has been recovered. The helicopter broke apart mid-flight, with the rotor detaching before the aircraft went down. Investigators are now examining the recovered rotor to determine the cause of the accident. The incident occurred during a sightseeing tour over New York City.