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The fatal helicopter crash in Midtown Manhattan on Monday underscored the hazards of having so many helicopters flying over such a densely populated area, and gave opponents of the frequent flights an opportunity to demand further restrictions on the airspace in and around New York City.

Helicopters come and go from three public heliports in Manhattan, shuttling government officials and business travelers and taking tourists on sightseeing excursions. Though accidents are not common, the aircraft have crashed into airplanes and buildings and dropped into the waters surrounding the island.

The accident on Monday was the second helicopter crash in less than a month and the latest of several fatal incidents in the area in the last 20 years. Only the pilot was aboard the aircraft that was flying in restricted airspace when it crashed on the roof of 787 Seventh Avenue, according to officials. He was reported to have been killed, officials said.