New York Helicopter has been operating around New York City landmarks for many years. However, the company has faced challenges in recent times, culminating in one of its sightseeing helicopters crashing into the Hudson River this week, resulting in the tragic loss of all six people on board.
In 2013, the company experienced a near miss when another helicopter lost power in midair, and the pilot managed to land it safely on pontoons in the Hudson.
Over the past eight years, New York Helicopter has gone through bankruptcy proceedings and is currently facing lawsuits over alleged debts. In January, it was sued for over $1.4 million for stopping payments on a lease for a helicopter. In February, a cash-advance lender filed a lawsuit claiming the company had blocked repayments on a loan and owed over $83,000.
Despite attempts to reach the company’s offices, no one answered the phones. The owner, Michael Roth, declined to comment on the situation when contacted by The Associated Press and expressed shock and devastation over the crash in an interview with a newspaper.
New York Helicopter has been in operation since the 1990s, offering tourists aerial views of iconic New York City locations such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Manhattan skyline. The company also provides airport shuttles and charter flights for executives.
While the company claims to have an “industry-leading safety record,” there have been incidents in the past, including accidents attributed to maintenance issues and human error.
Financial troubles plagued New York Helicopter after New York City reduced tour helicopter traffic in 2017, leading to a decline in revenue. The company underwent bankruptcy proceedings in 2019, emerging in 2022 but still facing financial challenges.
Last June, the company filed a lawsuit over the terms of a loan received in 2018 but later dropped the case. It is unclear if there was a settlement in the matter.
Attorneys who have represented the company were contacted for comment.
