The bodies of the pilot and news photographer who tragically died this week in a horrific helicopter crash in New Jersey have not yet been found.
Monroe Smith, 67, and Christopher Dougherty, 45, of Pennsylvania were aboard ABC Action News' Chopper 6 when it crashed in a wooded area of Burlington County on December 19.
The helicopter is believed to have crashed near Quaker Bridge Atsion Road and Mullica Hill Road in Washington Township around 8 p.m.
Today, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Gunther said at a news conference that they would release a preliminary report on the crash within 10 to 15 days. The report will focus on the facts, circumstances and circumstances of the crash.
The security 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 journalist from Philadelphia, was a high school friend of Smith's and flew with him. He said: 'We had the same goals, which was to do the job as best we could. And I think we both did that. He did it until the end'
Christopher Dougherty, 45, was identified as the photographer. Dougherty is survived by two daughters and a wife
The NTSB statement read: “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, expected in 12 to 24 months.”
The NTSB investigation will focus on three main areas: the pilot, the helicopter and the “operational environment.”
The investigation will also look at the previous 72 hours to identify any issues that may have affected the pilot's ability to safely fly the helicopter.
An Action News helicopter carrying a news team pilot and a photographer has crashed in New Jersey. Both died tragically (File image of Chopper 6)
The duo returned to Philadelphia after 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 journalist from Philadelphia, was a high school friend of Smith's and flew with him.
'We had the same goals: to do the job as best as possible. And I think we both did that. He did it until the end,” Kane said.
Fellow crew members at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, where the helicopter was based, said both men were highly skilled and loved their jobs.
According to NBC Philadelphia, it was last seen in the air over Wharton State Forest, just 75 feet above the ground.
A news helicopter from Philadelphia captured images of the crash site, which is extremely difficult to access because it is deep in the woods.
The helicopter was last in the air over Wharton State Forest on Tuesday around 8 p.m
Officials were contacted about a missing helicopter around 11:00 PM EST – a few hours before a state park police officer found a debris field.
New Jersey State Police rushed to the scene to close the case and the Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation.
New Jersey State Park Police Chief George Fedorczyk said the investigation was suspended overnight until the next morning due to poor visibility.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement regarding 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.
Colleagues of the victims and fellow reporters quickly paid tribute online after it emerged they had died in the crash.
Action News anchor Matt O'Donnell wrote: “We at 6abc would all like to send our deepest condolences to their families and friends.”
Fox 29 reporter Steve Keeley wrote, “Condolences to our Channel 6 colleagues on the loss of their Action News team members in the helicopter crash in New Jersey last night.”
6abc is reportedly leasing the 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350 A-Star helicopter from US Helicopters Inc. in North Carolina.
US 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 difficult to reach on site.