Pennsylvania Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of New Jersey Lineman and Canadian Pilot

A helicopter crash in Carbon County, Pennsylvania killed two men, including a New Jersey lineman. Local authorities say the chopper was working on electrical lines near Jim Thorpe in Penn Forest Township Thursday afternoon.

Michael Higgins, 40, of Haddon Township was the New Jersey lineman who died. Canadian pilot Jeffrey Patmore, 52, of British Columbia was another victim.

Officials said a Hughes 369 helicopter was doing routine line work when it crashed under unknown circumstances. Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating crash cause.

Witnesses said the crash happened in a wooded area near Maury Road and Penn’s Peak. Power utility representatives said a contractor was maintaining their system.

Late Saturday, the Carbon County Coroner identified the two victims. Emergency personnel reacted quickly, but Higgins and Patmore died at the spot.

Investigators are investigating if mechanical breakdown, environmental circumstances, or operational issues caused the incident. Nobody has reported early results. New Jersey and Pennsylvania mourn this untimely death, understanding the hazards line workers confront maintaining important infrastructure under difficult conditions.

Sources
Victims of Carbon County helicopter crash identified; one from Haddon Twp., N.J. WPVI Philadelphia
Helicopter crash in Pennsylvania leaves 2 people dead, officials say CBS Philadelphia
Haddon Township Man Killed In Helicopter Crash In PA: Reports Patch News