PennSTAR/Metro Aviation pilot dies in crash
The helicopter crash claimed the life of a PennSTAR pilot on 25 May in New Castle, Delaware, US.
The Delaware State Police, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration, are investigating a helicopter crash that claimed the life of a PennSTAR pilot on 25 May in New Castle, US.
Initial investigations have determined that the crash occurred at approximately 11:55 hrs, as an Airbus EC-135 P2 helicopter, which was being operated by Michael R. Murphy, crashed into a drainage ditch located in the rear of the US Post Office facility, said the Police: “Upon impact, the helicopter, which is owned by PennSTAR, 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 neighbouring 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.”
Murphy was the sole occupant of the helicopter. No other persons were injured. Damage was reported to a shed and parked vehicles due to flying debris and flames.
Susan Phillips, a representative for Penn Medicine, told reporters: “The pilot of the helicopter was conducting a training flight. No patients or Penn Medicine employees were onboard.”
Murphy had flown from the Atlantic City Airport and was conducting ‘approach training’ in the area of the New Castle County Airport, said the Police.