Mayday Call From Helicopter Pilot Before Fatal Crash In River

A helicopter carrying six people crashed in New York City’s East River on Sunday, killing all passengers, while the pilot survived, police said. Moments before it crashed into the frigid waters, the pilot frantically radioed for help, the New York Daily News and other media reported. “Mayday, mayday, mayday,” the pilot said, according to news accounts. “Engine failure. We’ve got an engine failure over the East River.” Two of the five passengers died at the scene and three were taken to two area hospitals where they later died, New York City Police and fire department officials confirmed early Monday.