Tragedy Strikes as Action News’ Chopper 6 Crashes in Burlington County
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A devastating incident has occurred as Action News’ helicopter, Chopper 6, crashed in a wooded area of Burlington County, New Jersey on Tuesday night.
The helicopter was returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore when it went down, resulting in the tragic loss of both crew members on board. At this time, the names of the crew members are not being released as family members are still in the process of being notified about the crash. Both crew members had a long history with the station and had been a vital part of the Action News team for years.
The crash occurred sometime after 8 p.m. in the area of Quaker Bridge Atsion Road and Middle Road in Washington Township. The helicopter was last seen over Wharton State Forest before the crash, and New Jersey State Police troopers were able to locate the crash site on the ground. However, due to its location in the woods, the site is extremely difficult to access.
The helicopter, a 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350A-STAR, was leased from U.S. Helicopters Inc. based in North Carolina, who have been in touch with the families of the crew members.
Chopper 6 and its crew have played an integral role in Action News’ news-gathering operation, providing access to areas that are difficult to reach by ground and capturing crucial footage for the station.
The cause of the crash is still unclear, and the FAA has been notified and will be conducting an investigation. The first helicopter to serve as Chopper 6 launched in February of 1980, marking a significant milestone as the first TV news helicopter in Philadelphia.
This is a developing story, and Action News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the crew members during this difficult time.