Bell 206 Pilot And One Passenger Now Only Survivors

The October 4 ditching of a Bell 206 helicopter (similar aircraft pictured) into New York's East River during a sightseeing flight has claimed a third victim. The pilot, Paul Dudley, reported mechanical problems just after takeoff from the 34th Street Heliport, and went down into the water. He was able to pull himself to shore. His passengers were a 60-year-old English tourist, Harriet Nicholson, her 71-year-old husband, Paul, their daughter Sonia Marra, who was enjoying the flight on her 40th birthday, and 43-year-old Helen Tamaki, a citizen of New Zealand.

Marra was trapped underwater for an extended period and died on the scene. Tamaki, described as Marra's partner, died a week later. Now, CNN reports the New York medical examiner's office has announced the death of Marra's mother, Harriet, due to what were termed "respiratory complications of near-drowning," which the Associated Press describes as meaning a shortage of oxygen to the brain.

Personal injury atorneys have been quick to jump on the case, with one publicly advertising the likelihood that the pilot or operator of the Jet Ranger may be to blame for inadequate maintenance or pre-flight inspection. The NTSB's factual investigation will not likely produce a final report on probable cause for about a year.

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