(PICS/AFP)

The Bell 206 chopper plunged into the river less than 18 minutes after take-off from a downtown Manhattan heliport. Video footage captured the aircraft spinning uncontrollably with smoke before crashing upside-down near Jersey City.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud popping sounds and saw the tail and rotor detach from the helicopter in mid-air. Rescue teams retrieved all six bodies from the water and later hoisted the wreckage using a floating crane.

The flight was operated by New York Helicopters, which did not respond to media calls following the incident. Company owner Michael Roth told the New York Post he was “devastated” and had “no clue” what caused the crash.

Aviation experts believe a mechanical failure may have caused the main rotor to strike the tail, resulting in total loss of control. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations.

The crash has renewed scrutiny on helicopter safety, especially in Manhattan where at least 38 people have died in such incidents since 1977. The tragedy adds to growing public concern over air safety in the US following a series of recent crashes and near-misses.

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