Two individuals are pronounced dead after a helicopter and small plane crashed mid-air in Chandler, Arizona on Friday morning, authorities reported.
The collision took place sometime before 8 a.m. near Chandler Municipal Airport, and preliminary reports indicate there were two individuals in each aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Chandler Fire Department reported workers responded to an alert that there was a mid-air accident involving a helicopter and a fixed-wing plane. In the early hours of Friday morning at Chandler Airpark, a single-engine Piper PA-28 and a Robinson R22 helicopter collided with each other, according to a news outlet from the Chandler Police Department and the Federal Aviation Administration. The police have recommended that people stay away from the area.
The Remains Of The Arial Collision In Chandler, Arizona (Photo: Online Teaching Jobs)
Flight Schools Operated the Two Aircraft
The helicopter was operated by Quantum Helicopters and the plane by Flight Operations Academy, both flight schools, according to Chandler police. Sgt. Jason McClimans stated that the two people who died were aboard the helicopter, but he did not disclose any other information about their identities. Officials believe there were two individuals on board each of the aircraft.
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Police Sgt. Jason McClimans says the airport will be closed while the investigation is underway. As a result of the inquiry, other streets in the vicinity of McQueen and Queen Creek Roads have been closed as well.
According to fire officials, the two people died were passengers in the helicopter, which crashed and caught fire after colliding with the airliner and crashing onto the ground. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane made a safe touchdown on the runway despite having broken landing gear.
Victim Identities Were Not Confirmed By the Authorities
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the collision, and neither agency releases the names of anyone who were involved in airplane accidents. The identity of the two victims who were killed have not yet been published by the authorities.
However, Michael Papendick’s family members confirmed to Arizona’s Family that he was one of the two people who died in the crash on Saturday. Friends of the family have established a GoFundMe page to assist with memorial expenses and to provide support for Papendick’s wife and infant daughter.
In addition to seeking information from any potential witnesses, the Chandler Police Department is also asking if anyone happened to videotape the crash.
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