Tragic Crash Claims Lives of News Helicopter Crew in New Jersey

Welcome to Visual News. In a heartbreaking incident near Shamong, New Jersey, a Philadelphia television news helicopter met a tragic fate earlier this week, resulting in the loss of both crew members.

According to Todd Gunther, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, WPVI’s Chopper 6 was returning to its base at Northeast Philadelphia Airport after capturing Christmas light displays near Atlantic City. The helicopter, carrying pilot Monroe Smith, 67, and photographer Christopher Dougherty, 45, crashed into Wharton State Forest in Washington Township at a very high speed.

Gunther stated that the aircraft hit the forest terrain with great force, breaking apart on impact and subsequently catching fire. The investigation revealed no signs of in-flight fire or explosion, and there was no emergency broadcast from the pilot.