Philadelphia News Helicopter Crash Results in Two Fatalities
In a tragic incident on Tuesday night, a news helicopter crashed in a wooded area of New Jersey, claiming the lives of the pilot and a photographer on board. The helicopter, en route from the Jersey Shore to Philadelphia, went down in Washington Township, New Jersey.
The victims have been identified as pilot Monroe Smith, 67, and photographer Christopher Dougherty, 45. Both were experienced professionals in their respective fields. Smith had been flying for many years, while Dougherty was known for his exceptional photography skills.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. The New Jersey State Park Police received a call reporting a missing helicopter in the area of Wharton State Forest. Search efforts quickly led to the discovery of a debris field in a remote location near Mullica River Road in Washington Township.
According to flight tracking data, the helicopter departed from the Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was last seen in New Jersey. The helicopter involved in the accident is a 2013 Eurocopter AS350B2, leased by WPVI-TV from U.S. Helicopters Inc. It was a key tool for the news agency to cover breaking news stories and gather aerial footage.
As is standard procedure in such cases, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will conduct an initial assessment, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation. An NTSB investigator will thoroughly examine the aircraft to gather important evidence to determine the cause of the crash. The helicopter will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the journalist and helicopter pilot communities. The loss of two talented individuals reminds us of the risks taken to bring news to the public. The investigation will likely take some time to complete, ensuring all necessary factors are considered in order to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Our thoughts go out to the families and colleagues of the victims, who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. As more details emerge from the investigation, we will closely follow the updates and provide further information. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this heartbreaking incident.
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