Investigation Finds No Connection To Birds Yet In West Windsor Helicopter Crash [PHOTOS]
Investigators have nearly completed the first step of their investigation into Saturday’s helicopter crash in West Windsor and so far have not found any evidence of birds causing the accident.
West Windsor Police said after the crash that they were told a flock of birds appeared to make contact with the helicopter shortly before it crashed. However, National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway tells the Star Ledger, “There was no evidence of birds being found at this time. There was only mention from one witness about there being birds in the area. And none of the other witnesses said there were any birds.” Holloway added it’s too early to rule anything out as the cause of the crash.
Investigators spent Sunday collecting debris which will be taken to a hanger in Delaware. Only 20% of the helicopter remains according to the Princeton Patch. The helicopter’s third rotor blade has still not been found.
FULL COVERAGE: West Windsor Helicopter Crash
Retired New York City police officer Michael Scarfia, 65, of Staten Island was identified late Sunday as the pilot of the helicopter and was the only person on board. He is being credited for steering the chopper into a cornfield and away from the shopping centers along Route 1.
The Princeton Patch reports Scarfia was flying to Atlantic City International Airport to pick up a passenger to bring back to Princeton Airport as a pilot for Princeton-based Analar Corp.
Scarfia served on the NYPD from 1973 to 1986, based in Brooklyn Lt. John Grimpel, a department spokesman told the Star Ledger. He was not involved with aviation during his time.
Leave a Comment