New York Helicopter’s Troubled History Revealed After Deadly Crash

Last updated Apr 12, 2025

New York Helicopter: A Closer Look At Its Past Struggles and Future Prospects

New York Helicopter: Balancing Between Sky-High Ambitions and Ground Realities

For years, New York Helicopter has been a prominent presence in the New York City skies. However, the company has had to navigate a series of challenges, most recently a tragic crash into the Hudson River that took six lives.

A History of Close Calls and Financial Turbulence

While New York Helicopter’s operations around iconic New York City landmarks have been a staple for decades, it has also faced its share of difficulties. For instance, there was a significant incident in 2013 where a helicopter lost power mid-air, resulting in a critical emergency landing.

Over the past eight years, the company has dealt with a bankruptcy, and various lawsuits pertaining to alleged debts. At the start of this year, a company sued New York Helicopter for over $1.4 million over a supposedly unpaid lease for a helicopter.

Lawsuits and Financial Struggles

Adding to the company’s woes, a cash-advance lender filed a lawsuit in February, alleging that New York Helicopter had failed to make repayments on a new loan and owed over $83,000. The company is yet to file a response in either case.

Operations and Views On Safety

New York Helicopter expressed profound sadness over the recent crash and directed all media inquiries to the investigators. The company emphasized that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew have always been their priority.

Founder Michael Roth, who spoke to the New York Post, expressed his devastation and shock over the crash. He noted that, like all machines, helicopters can malfunction.

Looking Towards the Future

Despite the challenging history and recent tragedy, New York Helicopter continues to hold a unique spot in the New York City tourism industry, offering bird’s-eye views of iconic landmarks. However, the company’s future remains uncertain, with ongoing financial challenges and the aftermath of the recent crash still to be fully realized.

As the story continues to develop, we will provide more updates on New York Helicopter’s status and future. Stay tuned for the latest information on this central player in New York City’s aerial tourism industry.