BREAKING: Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV Helicopter Crashes into Hudson River

A tragic incident unfolded in New York City on Thursday when a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter crashed into the Hudson River. The aircraft made contact with the water near Pier 40, leading to the loss of at least three lives. The helicopter, which was carrying six people, including the pilot, two adults, and three children, was reportedly on a sightseeing tour. The victims are believed to have been tourists visiting from Spain, according to ABC 7 New York.

Emergency Response and Traffic Delays

In the wake of the crash, the New York Police Department (NYPD) issued a statement advising the public to expect emergency vehicles and traffic delays in the surrounding area. The crash occurred in the vicinity of the West Side Highway and Spring Street, which prompted a significant emergency response. The NYPD’s warning was posted on social media as part of efforts to manage the situation.

Pier 40, the location of the crash, is a multi-use facility located along the Hudson River. It is known for its sports fields, parking area, and as a base for tourist party boats. The incident took place in a highly active area, adding to the urgency of the emergency response.

Helicopter Involved: Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV

The helicopter involved in this devastating crash was a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, with the registration number N216MH. This particular aircraft, built in 2004, has a serial number of 52296 and is owned by Meridian Helicopters LLC, based in Broussard, Louisiana. The company, which specializes in leasing, brokering, purchasing, selling, and refurbishing helicopters, has not disclosed who was operating the helicopter at the time of the crash.

The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV is a variant of the Bell 206 series, one of Bell Helicopter’s most successful and widely used helicopter families. The LongRanger version is a stretched variant of the original Bell 206, with a fuselage that is extended by just under three feet. It is capable of seating up to seven passengers. The LongRanger was first introduced in 1975, and its production continued until approximately 2017, with over 3,800 units produced globally.

Specifications and Performance

The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV is powered by the Allison 250-C30P engine, which is transmission-limited and provides the aircraft with up to 495 horsepower. Despite its limitations, this engine ensures the helicopter performs reliably under various conditions. The aircraft boasts the following performance specifications:

Length: 39 feet 8 inches
Height: 9 feet 4 inches
Wingspan: 33 feet 4 inches
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 4,450 pounds
Maximum Speed: 110 knots (127 miles per hour)
Service Ceiling: 13,500 feet

This powerful helicopter is typically used for a variety of applications, including passenger transport, aerial surveying, and other utility roles. The crash of this specific Bell 206L-4 has raised concerns, and authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’