10/12/2011 // New York City, New York, USA // New York City Accident Lawyer // Jonathan C Reiter
New York City, NY – On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, a private helicopter crashed into the East River shortly after takeoff, killing one woman and injuring three others, according to information received by New York City aviation attorney, Jonathan C Reiter. The Bell 206 helicopter was attempting to take off from the heliport and crashed just north of the landing pad off East 34th Street.
The accident occurred at approximately 3:30 pm. New York aviation lawyer Jonathan C Reiter learned that the body of Sonia Marra, a 40-year-old British woman, was recovered from the wreckage at approximately 4:40 pm.
The survivors included Sonia Marra’s mother and stepfather, Hariet and Paul Nicholson, as well as a family friend, Helen Tamaki. Harriet Nicholson and Tamaki were reportedly in critical condition after the accident, and transported to Bellevue Hospital.
The pilot, Paul Dudley, also survived. Dudley is the director of the airport at Linden New Jersey, and owns the managing company, according to information obtained by New York City aviation attorney Jonathan C Reiter.
Mr. Dudley’s attorney, Robert J. Hantman was quoted in the New York Times as stating in substance that there was a “mechanical failure” and that “they had just taken off when the engine started stalling and the helicopter went out of control”.
A mechanical failure occurring immediately upon take-off is likely a sign of poor maintenance of the helicopter, a poor pre-flight check by the pilot or both, according to New York aviation attorney Jonathan C. Reiter. The maintenance records for this helicopter will certainly be gone over thoroughly by the NTSB.
New York City aviation attorney Jonathan C Reiter reports the National Transportation Safety Board have already sent investigators to the site of the crash. Officials from the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the accident as well.
Jonathan C Reiter, New York aviation lawyer, explains that investigators found few clues immediately after the crash. Light rains and winds of 10-12 miles per hour were ongoing at the time of the accident.
The investigation is expected to last several months, according to sources of New York City aviation attorney Jonathan C Reiter.
Airline crashes and private plane crashes are extremely traumatic, and often leave family members confused, stunned and overwhelmed. New York City aviation attorney Jonathan C Reiter has vast experience in helping victims and their families navigate through the aftermath. He has successfully represented the families of victims of crashes such as American Airlines Flight 587, EgyptAir990 and several others.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an aviation accident, New York City aviation attorney Jonathan C Reiter can help clarify issues concerning your rights, the legal processes and compensation you may be entitled to for injuries and other repercussions.
If you need to speak with a compassionate and experienced New York City aviation attorney, please contact the Law Firm of Jonathan C Reiter to schedule a free consultation at (888)-464-1952.
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