I wouldn’t begin to say anything against the pilot without knowing all the details. Other articles say it was engine trouble, and the chopper turned over and sank pretty quickly (see video). I doubt he could have gotten anyone else out or he would have. Let’s see what facts emerge.
Fox reporting 2 dead, so far...
Amazing
Looks like the rotor was still spinning pretty well when the tips hit the water as it rolled over.
Didn’t another one go in the river a few years ago.
Here it is, I found it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/05/nyregion/helicopter-crashes-in-east-river.html
With an abrupt turn of events, one finds everything upside down while hanging from a harness, little to no lighting, cold water coming into a warm cabin, and disorientation from shock.
A third panic, scream, and thrash about ineffectually. A third will begin to fight among themselves, especially if it appears someone is making progress toward escape. The remaining third have training or experience which guides their actions. Sometimes one has little choice except to let events play out, hold their breath, and bide time.