The building was also known for its helicopter service to JFK International Airport, a seven-minute flight that left from the rooftop helipad. This service was offered only between 1965 and 1968 and for a few months in 1977, but was ended after a spectacular accident that killed five people, including exploitation filmmaker Michael Findlay. On May 16, 1977 a broken landing gear caused a parked Sikorsky S-61L with rotors still turning to tip over, killing four people that were outside the helicopter waiting to board. Part of a rotor blade sailed over the side of the building and killed a pedestrian on the corner of Madison and 43rd street. Two other people were seriously injured.