Accidents
Midair sparks debate about current ENG procedures
The July 27 fatal midair of two television news helicopters over Phoenix has prompted the industry and federal regulators to re-examine the sector’s operat

The July 27 fatal midair of two television news helicopters over Phoenix has prompted the industry and federal regulators to re-examine the sector’s operating procedures, including the practices of using a combination single pilot/on-air reporter and allowing multiple news helicopters to cover police chases.

While broadcasting a police chase, a pair of Eurocopter AS 350B2s collided when their pilots apparently lost sight of each other, killing both pilot/reporters and their cameramen. KNXV Channel 15 pilot/ reporter Craig Smith and cameraman Rick Krolak and KTVK Channel 3 pilot/reporter Scott Bowerbank and cameraman Jim Cox were killed in the accident. Both pilots had considerable news-flying experience. The AS 350s were part of a covey of five television news helicopters and one police helicopter following a stolen pick-up truck.