A helicopter's propellor "exploded and scattered" before it crashed into the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday, 10 April, an eyewitness has said.
Belle Angel, a writer from New Jersey told the Associated Press, told the Associated Press: "We were like 'was that lightning?'
"The propeller just exploded and scattered."
All six people on board died in the crash, authorities confirmed.
The cause remains unknown; the National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation.
Manhattan's skies are routinely filled with planes and helicopters, both private recreational aircraft and commercial and tourist flights.