Friends pay tribute to pilot, photographer killed in Chopper 6 crash
Chris Dougherty and Monroe Smith are being remembered as great friends, men with full lives and a bright light inside of them.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As the investigation continues into what caused the deadly Chopper 6 crash, tributes are pouring in from friends who knew the two crew members.
Pilot Monroe Smith, 67, of Glenside, Pa. and photographer Christopher Dougherty, 45, of Oreland, Pa., were in Chopper 6 when it went down in Washington Township, New Jersey just after 8 p.m. Tuesday. They were returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore.
SEE ALSO: What we know after pilot, photographer killed in Action News' Chopper 6 crash in New Jersey
Dougherty and Smith are being remembered as great friends, people who would stop to help, and men with full lives and a bright light inside of them.
Smith was a native of Philadelphia. He was an Army pilot, a dad, and had a "quiet cool" about him. He was also so proud of his son who was also a military pilot and even recently welcomed a new grandbaby.
He spent his time volunteering to help young people interested in aviation. Just this summer, he participated in the Aviation Career Enhancement Program.
"Everyone around the airport respected and loved him," said Victor Castro, a fellow pilot who worked with Smith to mentor young people in aviation.
Dougherty leaves behind a wife and two daughters and so many friends, including those in the Oreland Lions Club, an international club that helps local communities.
"I don't know if I ever knew a man who was so laid back. I'd see him get fired up, I'd see him get fired up about them Phillies," said Walter Hackett, who recruited Dougherty to be part of The Oreland Lions Club.
The Chopper 6 photographer had a love for song and would share his talents on social media. He was known to play guitar in the office from time to time while waiting for the next assignment.
Matthew Kresge played open mic nights with Dougherty at The Royal in Glenside.
"He was a double threat -- he played guitar, played percussion and he could sing!" said Kresge.
Both crew members have a long history with our station, with Smith being a part of the Action News team through U.S. Helicopters for over 20 years and Dougherty for 18 years.
"I dubbed Monroe and Chris the 'A team,'" said Chuck McDade, a former Action News assignment editor. "Once they were up there, you knew you were in good hands and you were going to get the story."
Pilot Nick Thomas would often work with Dougherty as his photographer on board. No matter the challenges, Dougherty would always be at ease.
"When you are flying with him, it could be chaotic and everything is fine," said Thomas. "Being around these two not just role models, but outstanding human beings, it brings out your best."
Amy Gindin was Smith's photographer for years. Though opposite in many ways, they couldn't have been closer.
"He always had such great advice, just because he lived through a lot," she said. "You become family because you don't see your family. Monroe and Chris they were my family for eight years."
NTSB investigators arrived on the scene Thursday and will be there for three days before the helicopter is taken to a secure facility for a more in-depth evaluation.
Todd Gunther, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, said eight people are working on the accident, including an engine specialist and an airframe -- or helicopter -- specialist.
The information and records the NTSB will examine include flight track data, air traffic control communications, maintenance records, weather conditions, the pilot's license and flight experience, a 72-hour background check of the pilot, witness statements, and potential information from electronic devices and any available surveillance video - including doorbell cameras.
Gunther explained that after the team leaves the scene in approximately 10 days, they will produce a preliminary report, which will include the facts, conditions and circumstances as they know them.
SEE ALSO: Here's how NTSB will investigate the fatal crash of Action News helicopter Chopper 6
The crash is still under investigation.
