Witnesses Say Helo Maneuvered Into Second On Station

Police in Phoenix, AZ have completed their report on the horrific July 27 midair collision of two news helicopters over the city.

According to KPNX-12, the report does not assign blame for the accident, which killed four persons onboard the two helos. Witness reports seem to agree on the sequence of events leading to the collision, however.

"The Channel 3 helicopter appeared to me to be sitting still in a stationary position. The other helicopter [flying for Channel 15] moved over, moved back, and then set in," said one witness, echoing statements from others. Another witness described how the rotor of the Channel 3 helicopter "chopped up the Channel 15 one real bad," before both helicopters fell to the ground.

As ANN reported, both helicopters were dispatched to follow a high-speed chase. A total of five helicopters were on station at the time of the collision, according to local media reports.

The National Transportation Safety Board's probable cause report on the crash is not expected for several months. The board did release a very thorough preliminary report August 5, however, describing a sequence of events from eyewitness accounts, that match up with the witness statements in the police report.

The NTSB also outlined an agreement between air traffic controllers, news media helicopter pilots and police helo pilots, on procedures to be followed during such events, in May 2007. Dubbed "Sharp Echo," the letter of agreement was reached to "specify responsibilities, define terms, and establish procedures to be used between Phoenix ATCT and signatory operators for the control and operation of VFR and Special VFR helicopters within the Phoenix Class B airspace."

Under Sharp Echo, PHX controllers are not required to provide separation services between helicopters operating VFR in Class B.

FMI: Read The NTSB Prelim