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The operator behind the deadly helicopter crash that killed six people in New York last week has been ordered to shut down immediately by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA announced the shutdown of New York Helicopter Tours on Sunday, citing a review of the company's safety record and license following the tragic incident on the Hudson River.

On Thursday, a tour helicopter crashed into the river, killing five family members and the pilot.

The victims included Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Mobility's rail unit, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children. The pilot, Sean Johnson, a Navy veteran, also died in the crash.

According to BusinessInsider, the FAA's immediate action follows its investigation into the operator's safety protocols. In a statement, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety, saying, "Safety is the FAA's number one priority, and we will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public."

The agency also confirmed that it will continue supporting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in its ongoing investigation.

The helicopter involved in the crash was a Bell 206L-4, leased from Louisiana-based Meridian Helicopters.

In a statement, the NTSB noted that the helicopter had no flight recorders or cameras, and the accident occurred during its eighth flight of the day. The NTSB added that the aircraft's last major inspection was on March 1.

FAA to Investigate Maintenance and Safety of Helicopter Involved in NYC Crash

This crash is not the first time New York Helicopter Tours has faced safety issues. In 2013, one of its helicopters made an emergency landing in the Hudson River due to a power loss, though there were no serious injuries.

In 2015, another of its helicopters crashed while attempting a "hard landing" near the ground. Both incidents involved the same Bell 206 model, DailyMail said.

Additionally, the company has struggled financially in recent years, filing for bankruptcy in 2019 amid changes to air traffic policies in New York City.

The FAA's investigation will now look at the maintenance history of the crashed helicopter, including whether the company adhered to two important safety orders issued by the FAA in 2022 and 2023.

Senator Chuck Schumer has called for more safety inspections of helicopter tour companies, accusing them of "cutting corners" and prioritizing profits over passenger safety. Schumer emphasized that action needs to be taken to prevent further tragedies and to honor the lives lost.

The NTSB's investigation will focus on possible mechanical issues with the helicopter, particularly its transmission assembly. It is also examining whether the helicopter's pilot, who reportedly warned of running out of fuel before the crash, followed proper procedures.