NTSB examines helicopter; family of crash victim thanks community
Mar 20, 2014, 1:15 PM | Updated: 5:41 pm
The NTSB spent time at the site of Tuesday’s deadly helicopter crash on Thursday trying to determine what exactly happened.
The Seattle Times reports investigators removed a portion of the railing surrounding the helipad on top of Fisher Plaza. Damage to nearby trees may also provide insight into how the helicopter crashed.
They also spent the day examining parts of the helicopter itself. Investigators removed a tail rotor bearing assembly and examined a section of the tail rotor drive shaft, among other things.
Investigators will also have a chance to watch surveillance footage showing the helicopter attempting to depart from the helipad. They have declined to describe the video to reporters.
A full report could take up to a year to complete.
Meanwhile, the family of a man burned in the crash is thanking the community for an outpouring of support.
Richard Newman, 38, was driving along Broad Street when the KOMO news helicopter crashed onto his car.
Statement from family:
We want to thank everyone for their enormous support, encouragement, and prayers, including community members, police, firefighters, and anyone else who was involved. We want to send a special thank you to Brian Post, a KOMO TV security guard, to whom we are very grateful. Our hearts go out to the friends and families who have lost loved ones in this horrible tragedy.
Newman was taken to Harborview Medical Center with deep burns covering 20 percent of his body – on his back and arms. He also has cuts on his head and a broken rib.
Harborview says Newman remains in serious condition in intensive care. Newman will eventually need surgery.
The hospital anticipates his recovery time to be weeks long.
Hospital spokesperson Susan Gregg says you can send cards wishing Newman well through their email-a-patient section on their website.
Two men, pilot Gary Pfitzner and photographer Bill Strothman, were killed in the crash.
KOMO says the funeral for Pfitzner will be at noon Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Issaquah. The service is open to the public.
