[BrianNC]

Here is a good post by SteveC in another thread regarding that turn:

I've been following some conversations on another site that also has some pilots experienced with the area, and most (not all) say that the East River is too tight for safe 180 degree turns at low level (below building height). Not saying that it couldn't, or isn't done, just that the margins are tight.

Some of the data that I saw (unverified) gives the width of the river in that area at around 2000 feet. Consider that the diameter of a 180 degree turn, 30 degree bank, at 80 knots is very close to 2000 feet. Add in the fact that the SR20 stall speed, clean, level flight, at 30 degree bank, is 70 KIAS.

If you increase the bank angle to 45 degrees, but also increase airspeed to stay above a stall, you will find a turn diameter of 1800 feet at 100 knots. Way too close to 2000 feet, and you still have to assume that they started their turn somewhere over water, not right at the east shore of the river. Then add a 13+ knot wind from the east pushing them even further into the buildings and things don't look too good for a successful completion.

Considering that he was a low time private pilot, and the CFI was from out of state and probably unfamiliar with the area, it is all too easy to see the links of the accident chain forming. I could even see them starting up the East River by mistake (low vis) rather than the Hudson. Hard to say...