Hudson river air crash

August 9th, 2009 - 1:31 am ICT by John Le Fevre  

One person is confirmed dead and three people missing after a mid-air collision between a helicopter and light plane over the Hudson River in New York.

Witnesses said the helicopter dropped like a rock after its propeller separated from its rotor shaft after being struck.

Both aircraft plunged into the river following the crash and are now submerged and eight rescue divers are searching for survivors.

The collision occurred near West 14th Street around noon, with wreckage falling into the water and on land on the New Jersey side.

It is being reported that three people were onboard the plane and that one passenger has been killed and six others have been rescued.

Five tourists and a pilot were reported to be onboard the sightseeing helicopter, operated by Liberty Helicopter Tours, on Pier 30.

A rescue effort is under way involving the police, the Coast Guard, the Fire Department and other agencies.

A black box from one of the aircraft was located, and being held in New Jersey.

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