Bodies of the pilot and news photographer who were tragically killed in a horrific helicopter crash in New Jersey this week have yet not been found.
Monroe Smith, 67, and Christopher Dougherty, 45, from Pennsylvania were on board ABC Action News’ Chopper 6 when it crashed in a wooded area of Burlington County on December 19.
The chopper is said to have come down at around 8pm near Quaker Bridge Atsion Road and Mullica Hill Road in Washington Township.
At a press conference today, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Gunther said they would release a preliminary report about the crash in 10 to 15 days.
The report will focus on the crash’s facts, conditions, and circumstances.
The safety agency said a final report on the tragedy, including a probable cause, will be released at least a year later.
Monroe Smith, 67, was identified as the pilot. Pete Kane, a retired Philadelphia journalist, was a high school friend of Smith and used to fly with him said: ‘We had the same goals: that was to do the job the best we could do it. And I think we both did that. He did it till the end,’
Christopher Dougherty, 45, was identified as the photographer. Dougherty is survived by two daughters and a wife
An Action News helicopter carrying a news team pilot and a photographer has crashed in New Jersey. Both were tragically killed (File image of Chopper 6)
The NTSB statement said: ‘The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation.
‘A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months.’
The NTSB investigation will focus on three primary areas — the pilot, the helicopter and the ‘operating environment’.
The investigation will also look at the previous 72 hours for any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to operate the helicopter safely.
The NTSB has obtained maintenance records from the flight but has yet to determine when the aircraft was inspected last.
At a press conference today, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Gunther said they would release a preliminary report about the crash in 10 to 15 days
During the press conference, Gunther said they had reports from numerous witnesses that said that the crew said they were having a problem right before the crash
During the press conference, Gunther said they had reports from numerous witnesses that said that the crew said they were having a problem right before the crash.
The duo were returning to Philadelphia after covering an assignment at the Jersey Shore.
Smith and Dougherty had a ‘long history’ with the station and had worked there for many years.
Dougherty is survived by two daughters and a wife.
Pete Kane, a retired Philadelphia journalist, was a high school friend of Smith and used to fly with him.
‘We had the same goals: that was to do the job the best we could do it. And I think we both did that. He did it till the end,’ said Kane.
Colleagues of the crew members at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, where the chopper was based said both men were highly skilled and loved their craft.
The chopper was last airborne over Wharton State Forest at about 8pm Tuesday
According to NBC Philadelphia, it was last airborne over Wharton State Forest, recorded just 75 feet above the ground.
A Philadelphia news helicopter captured footage of the crash site, which is extremely difficult to access due to it being deep in the woods.
Officials were contacted about a missing chopper at about 11pm EST – a few hours before a state park police officer found a debris field.
New Jersey State Police rushed to the scene to seal it off and the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation.
New Jersey State Park Police Chief George Fedorczyk said the investigation was suspended overnight until next morning because of low visibility.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement addressing the tragedy on X.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Action News family following last night’s helicopter crash in Wharton State Forest,’ Murphy wrote.
It’s reported that 6abc lease the 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350 A-Star helicopter from U.S. Helicopters Inc. in North Carolina.
U.S. Helicopters Inc. has contacted the families of those involved in the crash.
Chopper 6 is used by the news team to access areas that are challenging to reach on the ground.