Tragic Helicopter Crash Involving Trump’s Executives: A Look Back
A Dark Day in Trump’s Casino History
On October 10, 1989, a helicopter chartered by Donald Trump’s casino executives tragically crashed in New Jersey, resulting in the deaths of all five individuals aboard. This incident marked a significant low point for Trump’s Atlantic City ventures and continues to attract attention even after many years, especially due to reports suggesting that Trump was close to boarding the flight himself. The helicopter, an Agusta A109A, was en route from Manhattan to Atlantic City when it crashed into a wooded area along the Garden State Parkway near Lacey Township. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board later revealed that a main rotor blade had detached due to fatigue failure, which was linked to a manufacturing defect caused by a sharp tool during production.
In the wake of the tragedy, Trump expressed his sorrow publicly, stating, “These were three amazing young men in their prime. No better human beings ever existed. We are deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy, and our hearts go out to their families.”
Identifying the Victims of the Crash
Who Were the Victims of the 1989 Helicopter Crash?
The crash resulted in the loss of five lives:
- Stephen F. Hyde (43), who served as CEO of Trump’s casino operations in Atlantic City.
- Mark G. Etess (38), president of the incomplete Taj Mahal casino.
- Jonathan Benanav (33), executive vice president of Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino.
- Capt. Robert Kent, the pilot.
- Lawrence Diener, the co-pilot.
The deaths of Hyde, Etess, and Benanav were seen as a significant setback for Trump’s casino business, as they were regarded as some of the most talented individuals in his organization and played crucial roles in the lead-up to the Taj Mahal’s launch. Following the incident, Trump’s casinos initiated legal action against the helicopter manufacturer, Agusta, seeking compensation related to the crash.
Was Trump Scheduled to Fly?
Was Trump Supposed to Be on the Helicopter?
Reports from United Press International the day after the crash indicated that Trump had intended to be on the flight but opted out at the last moment, citing a busy schedule in New York. This last-minute change was covered by various news outlets, including a feature in the New York Daily News. Trump’s spokesperson, Dan Klores, confirmed to The Philadelphia Inquirer that Trump had planned to travel to Atlantic City but ultimately decided against it.
In his 1990 book, Trump: Surviving at the Top, co-authored with journalist Charles Leerhsen, Trump recounted how Hyde had urged him to hurry for the helicopter, and he briefly contemplated joining them. “For an instant, as they were walking out, I thought of going with them,” Trump wrote, explaining that he ultimately felt there was too much work awaiting him in the office that day. “As quickly as the idea had popped into my mind, I decided not to go.”
However, some former associates have challenged this narrative. Wayne Barrett, a former Village Voice reporter, claimed in his book Trump: The Greatest Show On Earth that Trump exploited the crash for personal gain, suggesting he fabricated stories about nearly boarding the helicopter. Barrett asserted that Trump had never used a chartered helicopter to travel to Atlantic City, preferring his personal Puma helicopter. Similarly, author Harry Hurt, in Lost Tycoon: The Many Lives of Donald J. Trump, questioned Trump’s account, alleging that he sought to leverage the tragedy for publicity, recalling a phone conversation where Trump remarked, “You're going to hate me for this but I just can't resist. I can get some publicity out of this,” before mentioning he had almost taken the flight.