A scenic helicopter tour meant to showcase New York City’s skyline ended in devastation when the aircraft crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board. The victims included a Spanish family of five—Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 11—along with their pilot, a 36-year-old man whose name has not yet been released.

The family, originally from Barcelona, had posed for a cheerful photo just moments before takeoff, standing on the helipad with smiles and souvenir bags in hand. They boarded the helicopter for what should have been a routine sightseeing flight on Thursday, April 10. Tragically, it ended just 15 minutes later.

The crash occurred at 3:17 p.m. after the helicopter, a Bell 206 model, departed from the Wall Street Heliport. Witnesses reported that the aircraft flew north toward the George Washington Bridge before making a sudden, steep turn south. Moments later, it spiraled out of control and nose-dived into the river near Hoboken, New Jersey.

Video footage shared online shows the helicopter descending in a rapid, tilted spin. Parts of the aircraft appeared to break off mid-air, leading many to believe a mechanical failure may have played a role. The wreckage hit the water just off the Manhattan shoreline, within view of horrified bystanders who immediately called for help.

Witnesses described the impact as shocking and surreal. Dani Horbiak, who saw the crash from her apartment, said she heard what sounded like gunshots in the sky, followed by falling debris and then the helicopter’s final plunge. Others described a loud sonic boom and the sight of the rotor breaking apart as the aircraft descended.