10/06/2011 // WPB, FL, USA // Injury Lawyers News // Nicole Howley

New York City, NY — Investigations are underway into a helicopter crash in the East River Tuesday afternoon, October 4, 2011, killing one person and injuring four others. The helicopter crashed into the river 50 yards from the East 34th Street Heliport, just after it took off, reported the New York Times.

Passenger Sonia Marra, 40, of Sydney, Australia, was killed when the Bell 206 JetRanger crashed at around 3:20 p.m. Marra was apparently trapped in the helicopter as it sank in about 40 feet of fast-moving water.

The helicopter reportedly began experiencing problems directly after takeoff and was trying to return to the helipad when it plunged into the river.

CNN identified the survivors as: Paul Nicholson, 71; Harriet Nicholson, 60; and Helen Tamaki, 43. The Nicholsons are reportedly Marra’s stepfather and mother, and Tamaki is a family friend.

The pilot, Paul Dudley, also survived the crash. Dudley is reportedly an experienced commercial pilot.

All four survivors were rushed to hospitals after being pulled from the water, thanks to an immense rescue effort that sprang into action after seeing the helicopter go down.

It is currently unknown what caused the helicopter accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the fatal accident.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for New York aviation accident lawyers.

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