Netflix ‘Extraction 2’ Oromo Under Fire For Using Chopper Firm Involved in Deadly NYC Crash

Netflix is planning to promote the upcoming installment of its popular film series “Extraction” by partnering with a chopper company that was involved in a fatal crash in 2018.

The crash, which occurred in the East River, resulted in the death of five tourists who were unable to be quickly extracted from the choppy waters.

The streaming service has invited social media influencers to participate in a “train like Tyler Rake from Extraction 2” experience, referencing the lead character portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, which includes a doors-off helicopter ride over Manhattan and stunt training.

[IMAGE – Chris Hemsworth stars in the “Extraction 2” film. | Jasin Boland/Netflix]

However, the invitation fails to mention that the chopper company, FlyNYON, faced criticism from federal authorities following the 2018 crash. The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation revealed that FlyNYON and flight operator Liberty Helicopters exploited a regulatory loophole to avoid proper scrutiny of their “doors-off” tourist flights. By registering the trips under a provision for professional aerial photographers, they bypassed closer inspection of the harnesses designed to secure passengers in the helicopter. This loophole ultimately contributed to the passengers’ inability to escape during the crash.

The irony of Netflix promoting a movie called “Extraction 2” while partnering with a company involved in a tragic incident where extraction was not possible is not lost. FlyNYON continues to exploit the same regulatory loophole to offer doors-off flights under the guise of photography tours. This has drawn criticism from sources close to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who anticipate increased inspections on the company.

Following the 2018 crash, the FAA temporarily banned doors-off flights but later allowed them to resume with the condition that passengers wear FAA-approved restraints that can be quickly released in emergencies. However, as of 2019, the NTSB noted that standards or guidance for inspections had not been established.

The Netflix invitation describes the event as an “interactive Extraction 2 Day” featuring various activities. It will commence with a doors-off helicopter tour of New York City, followed by stunt training with Bobby Holland Hanton, Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double. The film “Extraction 2” is set to premiere on June 16th on Netflix.

FlyNYON’s website currently advertises discounted prices for their chopper tours, showcasing images of passengers dangling their legs over Central Park and the Statue of Liberty’s surrounding water. Neither Netflix nor FlyNYON have responded to requests for comment at this time. In a previous statement, a FlyNYON representative declined to address the concerns raised by the NTSB and instead attributed the 2018 deaths to the failure of the helicopter’s emergency flotation system.