The Big Apple and the Bird Bath: A History of NYC's Not-So-Smooth Landings
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps... unless, of course, you're a helicopter trying to land there. Then, let's just say catching some shut-eye might be a better option. Because let's face it, NYC and helicopters haven't exactly had the smoothest relationship.
The Dizzying Heights of Helicopter History
Now, before you get all "Castaway" and think helicopters are just a recent phenomenon in the concrete jungle, think again. Choppers have been buzzing around the Big Apple since the 1950s, when landing pads started popping up on skyscrapers like unwelcome houseguests. There was even a time when these whirlybirds were hailed as the taxis of the future – a fact that today sounds more like a scene from a Jetsons cartoon than reality.
The Not-So-Grand Arrivals: A Rundown of NYC's Top Chopper Croppers
So, how many times have these rotors met their rotor-vator (get it?) in a not-so-graceful ballet? Well, buckle up, because the numbers might surprise you. While there isn't a central, neon sign flashing "NYC Helicopter Crash Count," some estimates say there have been at least nine crashes since 2004 alone, and over 32 people have met their maker in a copter catastrophe since 1977. That's a lot of bad landings for a city that prides itself on its real estate!
Here are some of our favorite (not really) NYC helicopter crashes, just for kicks (and because we all know misery loves company):
- 2019: The Axa Equitable Accordion - This one involved a sightseeing helicopter that decided to become one with the Axa Equitable Center in Midtown. Thankfully, only the pilot took the one-way trip to the roof-top afterlife.
- 2018: East River Dunk - A doors-off photo tour went swimming (uninvited) in the East River. Sadly, five people didn't make it out of this watery photoshoot.
- 2009: Hudson River Hustle - A mid-air game of chicken between a sightseeing helicopter and a private plane ended with a watery grave for nine people, including some unfortunate Italian tourists.
So, Will Helicopters Ever Learn to Land Properly in NYC?
The million-dollar question (or should we say, the multi-million dollar question, considering the cost of these flying machines) is whether NYC and helicopters can ever coexist peacefully. Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: if you're ever offered a ride in a NYC helicopter, you might want to politely decline and opt for the subway instead. At least then, the only drama you'll encounter will be a breakdancer blocking the doors, and not a fiery descent from the sky.
