NEW YORK _ The Federal Aviation Administration banned "open-door" helicopter flights involving restraints that can't be quickly released in the wake of the East River crash that killed five sightseers Sunday night.
The agency, which oversees aircraft regulations, ordered the nationwide ban Friday, after questions were raised about the harnesses that were used in the fatal flight. FAA officials also ordered the industry and its pilots to take action to mitigate the risk.
"Operators, pilots and consumers should be aware of the hazard presented by supplemental restraint devices in the event of an emergency evacuation during 'doors-off' flights," the agency said in a statement.
New York City Fire Department officials said a central factor in the deaths may have been that the passengers could not escape their harnesses when the Liberty Helicopter chopper went into the water. Pilot Richard Vance was able to escape his and was the sole survivor of the flight.
Footage of the deadly incident showed the copter losing altitude until it slammed into the water, bounced and tilted over.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, including whether an emergency fuel shut-off switch was accidentally triggered and whether the helicopter's flotation pods failed to fully inflate.
Open-door flights allow for better photographs of the city skyline and cost slightly more than a regular sightseeing flight.
Liberty has continued to operate since the crash.
Victim Trevor Cadigan's family has filed a lawsuit against the helicopter company.
