NEW YORK, NY — New information from the National Transportation Safety Board points to a bird strike as the likely cause of last year’s deadly helicopter crash in New York City. Investigators said they found goose remains, evidence that may help explain why the aircraft plunged into the Hudson River.
The crash happened in 2025 and remains under review as federal investigators work to piece together the sequence of events. The NTSB has not said the inquiry is finished, but the new finding adds a significant clue to the case.
What evidence did investigators find?
The key development is the discovery of goose remains. According to the NTSB, that evidence suggests the helicopter may have struck a bird before going down.
Officials have not provided additional technical details in the new report, but the remains are being treated as an important part of the crash analysis.
Why does a bird strike matter in this crash?
A collision with a bird can create a sudden emergency for an aircraft, especially in a low-altitude flight environment. In this case, investigators believe the strike may have contributed to the helicopter’s loss of control before it entered the Hudson River.
The report does not yet spell out every factor that may have been involved, and the NTSB has not publicly closed the investigation.
What happened after the helicopter went down?
The crash was fatal, making it one of the most closely watched aviation incidents in the city last year. Federal investigators have been examining the wreckage and available evidence to determine what led to the accident.
The Hudson River location has made the case especially notable, given the visibility of the site and the scale of the response needed after the crash.
What comes next in the investigation?
The NTSB is expected to continue reviewing evidence before issuing a final determination. For now, the goose remains provide the strongest public indication yet that a bird strike may have been involved.
Until the agency completes its work, the crash remains officially under investigation, with federal officials still working to confirm the full chain of events.
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