According to eyewitnesses, the helicopter's rotor blades and parts of the tail section fell off shortly before the crash. The helicopter then fell freely – and crashed straight down into the Hudson River in New York.
The investigators are now examining reports of birds. Large flocks of birds are said to have been seen shortly before the accident, reports Sky News.
It's something we're taking a closer look at. We discussed it this morning, said Jennifer Homendy at the US aviation authority during a press conference late on Friday.
In the crash, a whole Spanish family, two adults and three children, as well as the 36-year-old pilot, were killed.
