The helicopter landed shortly before noon on the section of the river near 79th Street. Deputy Fire Chief Thomas McKavanaugh says the craft took off from the Wall Street area and lost power after 12 minutes in the air.
The pilot used the craft's pontoons and the helicopter remained floating.
The pilot and all four passengers, which included two adults and two children, were rescued and taken to shore.
In 2009, a US Airways flight landed safely on the Hudson after striking geese. All 155 people aboard survived.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
