Helicopter Pilot Killed In NYC Crash Landing Identified As Volunteer Firefighter
The pilot who was killed in the helicopter crash landing in New York City has been identified, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Tim McCormack, 58, was a volunteer firefighter for the in East Clinton, New York, the fire department confirmed in a Facebook statement late Monday night.
The active volunteer was the only person aboard the aircraft as it crash-landed on the roof of a New York City skyscraper on Monday, June 10. McCormack was the only fatal victim of the crash, which caused the building at 787 7th Avenue to be evacuated.
According to the ECVFD, McCormack served as chief of the fire department for 10 years.
"Tim was a dedicated, highly professional and extremely well trained firefighter," the department said in a statement on Facebook. "Tim's technical knowledge and ability to command an emergency were exceptional."
The department furthered that McCormack was "extremely respected" by the department and "throughout the Dutchess County fire service."
"Tim will be exceptionally missed by this department's members, not only for his leadership but for his wonderful sense of humor. Rest in Peace brother," the statement continued.
Employees in the building where the crash occurred told CNN they felt the skyscraper "shake."
According to local reports, the helicopter took off at the 34th Street helicopter in New York City at about 1:32 p.m. McCormack was reportedly just 11 minutes into his flight when the crash occurred.
Fire fighters took to the scene as a three-alarm fire broke out.
On Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said there was no indication that the crash was an act of terror. He added that there were no additional injuries.
"I want to just say, thank God for that. This could have been a much worse incident," he said.