(DailyVantage.com) – A momentous $90 million settlement concludes a court battle stemming from the tragic 2018 helicopter crash over New York City, highlighting grave safety concerns within the industry.
At a Glance
- $90 million settlement in the 2018 NYC helicopter crash case.
- Jury’s original $116 million award reduced to avoid appeals.
- Tragic incident claimed the lives of Trevor Cadigan and four others.
- Settlement aims to ensure accountability and improve safety.
Settlement Reached After Lengthy Legal Battle
The families of those who perished in a catastrophic helicopter crash over New York City in 2018 have achieved a $90 million settlement. Originally awarded $116 million by a jury, the victims’ relatives opted for the settlement to circumvent drawn-out appeals. The accident involved a sightseeing helicopter that sank in the East River, taking the lives of five passengers, including Trevor Cadigan.
The incident was triggered when a passenger’s safety tether accidentally shut off the helicopter’s engine. The pilot managed to escape, but the passengers, ensnared in their harnesses, tragically drowned. Key defendants included FlyNYON, Liberty Helicopters, and Dart Aerospace. This legal outcome aims to cement accountability and bring much-needed improvements to helicopter tour safety practices.
Potential Risk Factors in Sightseeing Tours
Helicopter tours, such as those over New York City, pose considerable risks due to congested airspaces and prioritization of profit over safety. Between 2000 and 2010, over 140 crashes were recorded, leading to 86 fatalities. Sightseeing flights often encounter numerous risks from strong winds and crowded airspaces, to inadequate emergency response plans. These dangers underscore the need for stringent maintenance standards and experienced pilots.
“Their primary objective was twofold, and that is, one, to ensure accountability for what happened to Trevor, and also to shine a bright light on dangerous helicopter operator practices and induce them to do a better, safer job,” Robb said by phone. “And they accomplished both objectives, we believe.” – Gary C. Robb
The FAA’s regulatory reach has been notably minimal due to industry lobbying, permitting low-altitude flying that enhances risk levels. With such settlements, helicopter operators are urged to elevate their safety protocols and embrace rigorous training, all while minimizing revenue-driven risky decisions during marginal weather.
A New York Supreme Court judge approved on Wednesday a record $90 million cash settlement to the family of a North Texas man who was killed along with four others in a helicopter crash in New York City's East River in March 2018. https://t.co/97NPBC5awm
— WFAA (@wfaa) March 28, 2025
Proactive Measures and Future Safety
In the wake of the crash, FlyNYON has introduced safety improvements including novel safety harnesses. The Federal Aviation Administration responded by suspending similar flights for safety reviews, later reauthorizing them with reinforced restraint standards. This settlement highlights the importance of addressing safety shortcomings within the helicopter tour industry, urging persistent safety-oriented advancements.
“The introspection and self-critical analysis we have undertaken in the last six-and-a-half years have shaped our view of what it means to be an industry leader, and we’re a safer, smarter, and stronger company for it,” CEO Patrick Day said in an email to The Associated Press. – Patrick Day
By ensuring accountability and instigating comprehensive safety measures, the settlement promises a future where such tragedies can be averted, safeguarding the well-being of thrill-seekers and ensuring meaningful reform within the industry.
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