Pilot’s Final Radio Call Before Deadly Hudson Crash
A Navy SEAL veteran who was piloting the helicopter that tragically crashed into New York City’s Hudson River made a haunting radio call shortly before the disaster, informing his base that he was returning to refuel — but he never made it back.
The pilot, identified as 36-year-old Seankese “Sean” Johnson, was at the controls of the aircraft carrying a Spanish family of five: Agustín Escobar, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children — Agustín, 10, Mercè, 8, and Víctor, 4.
The family had traveled from Barcelona to the U.S. to celebrate Ms. Camprubí’s birthday. Tragically, all six people aboard the helicopter were killed when it broke apart mid-air and plunged into the river.
Michael Roth, owner of New York Helicopter — the company that operated the aircraft — revealed that Johnson had contacted the heliport before the crash.
“He called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel,” Roth told The Telegraph. “It should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he did not show up.” Roth added that his entire staff is devastated by the tragedy, with his wife unable to stop crying.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, near the New Jersey side of the Hudson. Radar data shows the helicopter flew north along Manhattan’s skyline before turning back south toward the Statue of Liberty.
Just 15 minutes after takeoff, the helicopter suddenly nose-dived into the river. Eyewitness footage captured the rotor detaching and debris scattering across the water.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by aviation authorities, but early signs point to a possible mechanical failure. Johnson had reportedly served in the U.S. Navy before transitioning to civilian aviation.
Remi Adeleke, a Nigerian-American actor and former Navy SEAL who mentored Johnson, mourned his loss in a heartfelt Instagram post, honoring his friend’s service and spirit.
Pilot’s Final Radio Call Before Deadly Hudson Crash
