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(Phoenix) Two helicopters crash while covering chase
Investigators probe deadly helicopter collision

By 3TV and azfamily.com staff

Investigators are trying to piece together Friday what caused the deadly collision of two news helicopters that were covering a pursuit through the streets of Phoenix.


Killed were KTVK-TV Channel 3 pilot-reporter Scott Bowerbank and photographer Jim Cox, and KNXV-TV Channel 15 reporter-pilot Craig Smith and photographer Rick Krolak.

The two helicopters crashed in flames in the middle of Steele Indian School Park. No one on the ground was hurt, but many witnessed the accident.

"I kept saying, 'Go lower, go lower,' and about that time, they hit each other," said Rick Gotchie, a construction worker who witnessed the accident. "The blue one came down nose first and the other one came down tail first and I was hoping for a door to open and no doors opened."

Some described the scene as "very surreal."

"My legs are still shaky," said one unidentified witness.

Chief Jack Harris with the Phoenix Police Department said many media helicopters were covering the pursuit of an alleged auto thief, who reportedly stole a utility vehicle from the area of Seventh Street and Broadway Road around noon. Two officers reportedly spotted the vehicle and began to pursue.

Realizing he was being followed, the unidentified suspect reportedly rammed the officers' vehicle, Harris said.

The suspect then fled into central Phoenix where many media helicopters began covering the chase. The perpetrator reportedly then hopped out of the utility vehicle and into another vehicle.

A short time later, the two helicopters collided in the air.

The suspect then fled to a home in the West Valley where he allegedly held police at bay. The suspect was taken into custody. The standoff suspect received medical treatment for injuries from a K-9 police dog.

He is now facing numerous charges including vehicle theft, aggravated assault on a police officer and unlawful flight charges, which are all felonies.

Harris said the suspect may face charges linked to the accident.

3TV reporter and anchor Frank Camacho described Cox as "very intense."

 "He was very intense. He just grabbed life and ... and he was talking about getting ready to sell his home in central Phoenix and move to the suburbs because he wanted to begin his training as a helicopter pilot. He will be sorely missed. He was a funny, funny guy and very bright. He cared very deeply."

3TV reporter Mike Watkiss, who worked with Bowerbank throughout the years, called him a "great pilot." Bowerbank trained 3TV's helicopter pilot Bruce Haffner how to fly.

Gibby Parra, a 3TV photographer who worked with Bowerbank on "Good Morning Arizona," said the station's reporters would "fly with him any day."

Parra said Bowerbank was all about safety.

"You didn't have to worry about it. You did your job," he said. "Scott Bowerbank made it that simple for you."

Gov. Janet Napolitano offered her condolences to the families and co-workers of the four men.

Napolitano issued a statement, saying the four "delivered expert coverage of the news to the businesses and homes of Arizonans on a daily basis." She says they will be surely missed.

The following roads will be closed because of the accident for an unknown amount of time:

Central Avenue, Indian School to Camelback roads;

Third Street, Osborn to Indian School roads;

Indian School Road, Seventh Street to Seventh Avenue.

(Phoenix) Two helicopters crash while covering chase  (http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/stories/KTVKLNews20070727_crash.b92d9afc.html)