`` There have been at least 28 helicopter crashes in our city over the last three decades , '' she said in a statement . NEW : The experienced commercial pilot had 2,200 hours of flight time . NEW : A total of 15 crew members are investigating . The victim -- a British citizen from London -- was traveling with family members and friend . Two passengers died after the helicopter sank in the East River .
NEW : The experienced commercial pilot had 2,200 hours of flight time . NEW : A total of 15 crew members are investigating . The victim -- a British citizen from London -- was traveling with family members and friend . Two passengers died after the helicopter sank in the East River .