AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 11, 2026
Helicopter Incident at Port Jersey Marine Terminal
A New York City sightseeing helicopter made an emergency landing at a New Jersey cargo port after the pilot reported possible engine trouble. The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Port Jersey Marine Terminal in Bayonne, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
Details of the Emergency Landing
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that two individuals were aboard the Bell 206L-4 helicopter when it landed on a road inside the cargo terminal at approximately 8:55 a.m. The helicopter was undertaking a maintenance flight rather than carrying tourists at the time. According to FAA records, the aircraft was manufactured in 1999.
Pilot Action and Response
In recorded audio from air traffic control posted on the ATC app, the pilot declared an emergency, saying, “Mayday, mayday, mayday” and requested an opportunity to “land outside of the airport.” The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey stated the helicopter landed just outside the container terminal, minutes after the distress call.
No Injuries Reported
A spokesperson for the Port Authority confirmed that no injuries occurred as a result of the emergency landing. Video footage from the scene revealed that a section of the helicopter’s tail was located on the road, about 30 feet (9 meters) from the main body of the aircraft. Messages seeking further comments were left for FlyNYON, the operator of the helicopter.
Background: Sightseeing Helicopter Safety
Last year, a Bell 206L-4 sightseeing helicopter was involved in a fatal crash into the Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the helicopter had likely struck several birds before the accident, finding the remains of geese in the wreckage.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General recently announced an audit of sightseeing helicopter regulations due to longstanding concerns about industry safety and the adequacy of current regulatory safeguards. Assistant Inspector General Marshall Jackson stated that since 2008, there have been at least 58 crashes involving tourist helicopters in the U.S., with 11 resulting in fatalities.
Ongoing Developments
The investigation into the emergency landing at Port Jersey Marine Terminal is ongoing. Further updates may become available as officials review the incident and any necessary safety measures are considered moving forward.
Source: abcnews.com.
