The pilot of a helicopter which crashed killing five people on Sunday night told air traffic controllers that the engine had failed shortly before it plunged into New York’s East River.

His warning was heard on the recording of the Mayday call he made to controllers at LaGuardia airport.

The pilot, named locally as Richard Vance, 33, was the only survivor of the crash. Two of those on board were killed instantly, the other three passengers were rushed to hospital, where they died from their injuries.