Phoenix news helicopter collision

2007 Phoenix news helicopter mid-air collision
Photograph circulated by AP of the two helicopters falling moments after the crash
Accident
DateJuly 27, 2007 (2007-07-27)
SummaryMid-air collision due to pilot error
SitePhoenix, Arizona, U.S.
33°29′48″N 112°4′14″W / 33.49667°N 112.07056°W / 33.49667; -112.07056
Total fatalities4 (all)
Total injuries0
Total survivors0
First aircraft

N215TV, the Eurocopter AS-350 B2 involved in the accident, in May 2005
TypeEurocopter AS-350 B2
NameChopper15
OperatorKNXV-TV
RegistrationN215TV
Occupants2
Passengers1
Crew1
Fatalities2
Survivors0
Second aircraft

N613TV, the Eurocopter AS-350 involved in the accident, in February 2007
TypeEurocopter AS-350
NameNewschopper3
OperatorKTVK
RegistrationN613TV
Occupants2
Passengers1
Crew1
Fatalities2
Survivors0

On July 27, 2007, two AS-350 AStar helicopters from television stations KNXV-TV and KTVK collided in mid-air over Phoenix, Arizona, United States, while covering a police pursuit. On board the two aircraft were four people in total – pilot Craig Smith and photographer Rick Krolak from KNXV, and pilot Scott Bowerbank and photographer Jim Cox from KTVK – all of whom were killed, while no casualties were reported on the ground.