Families say thanks for help after air crash

Paul Nicholson, Sonia Marra, Harriet Nicholson and Helen Tamaki in New York before the tragedy. Photo / Supplied

The family of a New Zealand woman whose partner died in a helicopter crash in New York say they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received and are relieved to be with her in the city.

Helen Tamaki was on a sightseeing trip with her partner, Sonia Marra, and Ms Marra's mother and stepfather when their chopper plunged into the East River moments after takeoff about a week ago.

"Helen is still critical and we are relieved to be at her bedside. We have been overwhelmed with the support shown to us," the Tamaki family said in a statement.

"We are still grieving for the loss of Sonia Marra Nicholson as she was a huge part of the family."

Ms Marra was killed in the crash and her mother, Harriet Nicholson, and Ms Tamaki were critically injured.

Her stepfather, Paul Nicholson, was discharged after a brief hospital stay.

Wellington-born Ms Tamaki was still in a critical condition yesterday in an induced coma in Bellevue Hospital.

She had bought the helicopter sightseeing tour as a present for her partner's 40th birthday.

"The Tamaki and Nicholson families have had a close relationship for many years and both families are here supporting each other through this difficult time," the Tamakis said.

Ms Marra's stepfather and sisters Amanda Moore and Annie Nicholson said in a separate statement: "Sonia was loving her first experience in New York, the city and its people.

"She was incredibly happy to be here and it gives us some comfort to remember that. We are a strong family and will cope with our loss in our own way."

The family thanked those involved in the rescue "who acted with great courage", and hospital staff and New York police "for their compassion, kindness and care".

They said pilot Paul Dudley, a family friend, also "acted with great bravery in the rescue".

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was looking into the winds at the time of the crash and weight allowances for the aircraft. It said it had not found any rupture of the helicopter's engine or indication of fire.