Chatham Helicopter Crash: More Information Released As Investigation Continues

CHATHAM, NJ— More information, including the identity of the pilot, has been released after Friday's helicopter crash in Chatham Borough.

Borough officials identified the pilot as John J. Walsh, 54, from Fort Lee. His passenger, Paul W. Benson, 49, is from Woodcliff Lake.

Benson was taken to Morristown Medical Center for treatment following the accident. Walsh refused medical attention, but remained at the scene and has been cooperative with officials, Chatham Borough administrators said.

Walsh was flying from Richmond, Virginia to Lincoln Park, New Jersey, when the helicopter crash landed behind 525 Main Street in Chatham, about 15 miles from his final destination.

The helicopter struck the garage before hard landing in a small parking lot, narrowly missing homes and electrical wires.

“I think the pilot, from my vantage point, did a wonderful job landing this helicopter where he did and could have averted catastrophe,” an official told reporters during a press conference shortly after the crash.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Chatham Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Section turned the investigation over to the FAA the next morning.

Image via Sarah Schwarz