NEW : The experienced commercial pilot had 2,200 hours of flight time . NEW : Trapped in the craft 's back seat as it submerged , she was the sole passenger unable to escape as the copter inverted and sank , He was a licensed private pilot with more than 10,000 flying hours. The victim -- a British citizen from Sydney -- was traveling with family members and friend . Three others escaped after the helicopter sank in the East River .
NEW : The experienced commercial pilot had 2,200 hours of flight time . NEW : He was a licensed private pilot with more than 10,000 flying hours. The victim -- a British citizen from Sydney -- was traveling with family members and friend . Three others escaped after the helicopter sank in the East River .