New Castle – The Delaware State Police, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration, continue to investigate a helicopter crash which has claimed the life of a New Jersey man that occurred late this morning in New Castle, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale.
Hale said the investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 11:55 a.m. this morning, Thursday, May 25, 2017, as a 2006 Airbus EC-135P2 helicopter, which was being operated by Michael R. Murphy, 37, of Franklinville, NJ, crashed into a drainage ditch located in the rear of the United States Post Office facility located at 147 Quigley Boulevard.
Upon impact the helicopter, which is owned by Penn Star, the air transportation service for the University of Pennsylvania Health System, then became engulfed in flames. Responding fire services personnel from the Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company and neighboring volunteer fire companies arrived at the scene and were able to extinguish the flames.
Michael Murphy, who was employed by Metro Aviation, was the sole occupant of the helicopter. He was declared dead at the scene. His body was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences where an autopsy will be performed. There were no other injuries. Damage to a shed and several parked vehicles on the property was sustained due to flying debris and flames.
Upon speaking to aviation officials, it was learned that Michael Murphy had flown from the Atlantic City Airport and was conducting “approach training” in the area of the New Castle County Airport.
The investigation into the cause of this crash is continuing at this time. Further Information will be released as the investigation dictates.
Original Story
New Castle – Delaware State Police are currently at the scene of a helicopter crash that occurred late this morning in New Castle, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale.
Hale said the preliminary investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 11:55 a.m. this morning as a privately owned helicopter occupied by one individual, crashed in a grassy area located in the rear of the United Stated Post Office located in the 200 block of Quigley Boulevard. As a result of the crash, the occupant of the helicopter has been declared dead at the scene. There were no other injuries. A shed on the property as well as several vehicles sustained minor damage.
Strong Language
Reports indicate that the helicopter was a PennSTAR helicopter that was registered to the University of Pennsylvania.
The Delaware State Police, The National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration are currently on scene conducting the investigation which is in its early stages.
More information will be released to the media at a press conference to be held later today. The location and time of the press conference have yet to be determined.