NTSB Preliminary Report: No Engine Issues in Fatal NJ News Helicopter Crash

Investigation continues into crash that killed pilot and photographer; final report could take up to 18 months.

Preliminary reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveal that the news helicopter that crashed in New Jersey last month had no engine issues that would have prevented normal operation.
The helicopter, known as 'Chopper 6', was returning from an assignment to report on Christmas lights when it crashed in the Wharton State Forest.
The crash resulted in the deaths of 67-year-old pilot Monroe Smith and 45-year-old photographer Christopher Dougherty.
The helicopter had been refueled before the accident flight, which was its third of the day.
While the cause of the crash remains unclear, a final report from the NTSB could take up to a year and a half to complete.