By: Richard L. Smith
An ongoing investigation is underway following the crash of Chopper 6, a helicopter operated by Action News, in a wooded area of Burlington County, New Jersey, on Tuesday evening.
According to an early morning report by WPVI 6ABC Digital staff, the incident occurred after 8 p.m. near Quaker Bridge Atsion Road and Mullica Hill Road in Washington Township.
The helicopter, carrying a pilot and a photographer from the Action News team, went down while returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore.
6ABC said both crew members (pilot and photojournalist) perished during the crash.
According to the report, the crash site, located in Wharton State Forest, was identified by New Jersey State Police troopers, although accessing it has been challenging due to its remote woodland location.
Footage of the wreckage was captured by a helicopter from another Philadelphia television station.
Chopper 6, a 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350A-STAR, was leased by 6abc from U.S. Helicopters Inc. based in North Carolina.
The names of the two crew members involved in the crash are currently withheld as their families are still being informed.
6ABC said the crew has been a longstanding part of the Action News team, and U.S. Helicopters Inc. has reportedly been in contact with their families.
Chopper 6 is a crucial component of 6abc's news-gathering operations, providing invaluable aerial coverage ranging from weather and scenic shots to traffic reports and breaking news.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is set to conduct an investigation into the incident.
IMAGE: Courtesy WPVI 6ABC