TV news chopper crashes, 2 dead: An absolute tragedy
An Absolute Tragedy: TV News Chopper Crashes While on Assignment, 2 Dead
Two people tragically lost their lives on Tuesday night when a helicopter, on assignment for Philadelphia station WPVI-TV, crashed in New Jersey.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, WPVI reporter Katherine Scott described it as “just an absolute tragedy.”
The helicopter was carrying a pilot and a photographer when it crashed in Washington Township, New Jersey at around 8 p.m., as reported by WPVI.
The names of the victims were not released by the station when they announced the tragedy on air. However, it was revealed that both the pilot and photographer were experienced employees of WPVI.
Condolences to our colleagues at Channel 6 on the loss of their Action News team members in the helicopter crash in New Jersey last night. The pilot and photojournalist were aboard when Chopper 6 crashed after 8pm in Wharton State Forest while coming back from an assignment near the shore. pic.twitter.com/NiQm96Nptl
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) December 20, 2023
The helicopter had been returning from the Jersey shore when the accident occurred.
The wreckage of the crash was discovered early Wednesday in Wharton State Forest by the New Jersey State Park Police, as reported by Western Journal. Roads surrounding the crash site have been closed while an investigation takes place.
The helicopter involved was a 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350A-STAR, leased by the station from U.S. Helicopters Inc. of North Carolina.
New Jersey State Park Police Chief George Fedorczyk stated that due to the remote location of the crash site and poor visibility, the investigation was suspended overnight and would resume on Wednesday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, with officials from the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration arriving on Wednesday, according to CBS.
The chopper crews typically consist of a photographer and a pilot. 6ABC says they are working to notify family members, while first responders say they’ve made it to the crash site on the ground @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/klod4xNH8W
— Randy Gyllenhaal (@RandyGyllenhaal) December 20, 2023
The Courier-Post retraced the flight route and noted that most of the journey appeared normal.
However, when the helicopter reached the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Galloway, New Jersey, it descended to 700 feet and maintained a speed of approximately 40 mph for about 23 minutes.
Afterwards, the helicopter climbed to 1,000 feet and increased its speed to 100 mph while making three loops in the area.
According to the Courier-Post report, the helicopter continued to descend during its flight until the last recorded data point showed it at an altitude of 200 feet, traveling at 119 mph.
The post ‘An Absolute Tragedy’: TV News Chopper Crashes While on Assignment, 2 Dead appeared first on The Western Journal.
How can the industry come together to support the families and colleagues of the victims during this investigation?
Rd (NTSB) has been notified and will be leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
The news of the tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the TV news industry and the community. WPVI anchor Jim Gardner expressed his condolences on air, saying, “We are also mourning the loss of our two colleagues who were just trying to cover the news, fulfill their responsibilities as journalists, and bring information to the public.”
The loss of lives in this helicopter crash highlights the risks that journalists often face in their line of work. These dedicated professionals are committed to bringing the news to the public, often going to great lengths and facing dangerous situations to get the story. They play a crucial role in keeping the public informed, but their safety should always be a top priority.
It is important for news organizations to continuously review and enhance their safety protocols to minimize the risks associated with assignments involving helicopters and other forms of transportation. Regular training and maintenance of equipment should be prioritized to ensure the safety of journalists and crew members.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, it is crucial for the industry to come together to support the families and colleagues of the victims. The loss of these two individuals is not only a tragedy for WPVI, but for the entire journalism community.
Journalism is a challenging and demanding profession, but it is also a vital one. The dedication, passion, and commitment of journalists are instrumental in holding individuals and institutions accountable and providing the public with accurate and reliable information. It is important for society to recognize and appreciate the contributions of journalists while also ensuring their safety and well-being.
In the wake of this devastating event, it is a reminder for all of us to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and appreciate the work that journalists do to keep us informed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the entire WPVI team, during this difficult time. May they find strength and support as they navigate this tragic loss.
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