Hudson River Helicopter Crash Pilot Was Navy SEAL, Loved Flying, Wife Says

The pilot of the helicopter that went down in New York City’s Hudson River Thursday was a former Navy SEAL who dreamed of flying … so says his wife, about 24 hours after the crash.

Kathryn Johnson confirmed to Gothamist that her husband, Seankese Johnson — who went by Sean — was flying the Bell 206 helicopter when its rotor blades flew off, and it spun out of the sky … crashing into the water below and killing all six people aboard.

Sean had recently moved to New York City to continue his pilot career … and, Kathryn says she’s at a loss for words about the crash — adding it’s a very difficult time for her.

While she and Sean had been separated for a few months, Kathryn says the two remained close and last spoke on Wednesday — just a day before the helicopter went down.

As you know … multiple angles showing the crash have come out since the crash — showing what appears to be the blades from the helicopter detaching in mid-air and sending the craft into a tailspin.

The helicopter had turned around to refuel prior to the crash, though the reason for the tragedy is still under investigation.