Fatal Helicopter Crash in New Jersey Under Investigation

An investigation into a recent fatal helicopter crash in New Jersey has revealed new details. The crash involving a news helicopter occurred in a southern New Jersey forest, claiming the lives of the pilot Monroe Smith and photographer Christopher Dougherty, both from Pennsylvania. The helicopter, which was on its third flight of the day, had been covering a story on Christmas lights at the Jersey Shore before crashing. Preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that the helicopter, an American Eurocopter Corp. AS350B2, experienced a descent and increase in speed before crashing. The investigation found no anomalies in the helicopter's engine that could have caused the crash. The wreckage revealed significant damage, and it is still unclear what led to the tragic accident. The NTSB stated that a final report on the incident may take up to a year and a half to complete.