PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on the Dec. 19 helicopter crash in Hammonton, New Jersey, that killed a Channel 6 pilot and cameraman.
The report is a statement of facts with no conclusions or analysis. A finding on the cause of the crash is still at least a year or two away, but the report revealed the speed and devastation of the crash.
It charted the flight’s last few minutes as it headed slightly off course and then rapidly descended into the Pine Barrens.
The helicopter had been on course and flying at 1,000 feet for about 15 minutes when it drifted to the right at 8:01 p.m. By 8:02, it had dropped to 750 feet, and its speed had increased to 93 knots. At 8:03, it was at 400 feet, traveling at 103 knots. It crashed not long after, traveling at 115 knots and burst into flames, according to the report.
Pilot Monroe Smith and photographer Chris Dougherty died.
The report also found no engine anomalies and noted the helicopter had been inspected on the day of the crash.