Pilot Killed in NYC Chopper Crash Was Firefighter

The pilot who was killed in a helicopter crash atop a skyscraper near Times Square in New York City was a longtime firefighter from upstate New York.

NJ Advance Media reports that the pilot of the aircraft, which had taken off from its home airfield in Linden, NJ, was Tim McCormack of Clinton Corners in the Hudson Valley.

The East Clinton Volunteer Fire Department announced McCormack's death Monday night on Facebook, saying he joined the department in 1994 and served as chief for 10 years. He had also previously been a member of the LaGrange Fire Department.

The post called McCormack a "highly dedicated, highly professional and extremely well trained firefighter" whose "technical knowledge and ability to command an emergency were exceptional."

"Tim will be exceptionally missed by this department's members, not only for his leadership but for his wonderful sense of humor," the post reads. "Rest in Peace Brother."

It's unclear why the chopper, which was reportedly used for executive travel, was flying in rainy and overcast weather, but initial reports say the aircraft went off course at around 1:30 p.m. before crashing into the 750-foot-tall AXA Equitable building on 7th Ave. near 51st St.

Linden Airport Director Paul Dudley told NJ Advance Media that McCormack was "highly regarded" at Linden Airport.

“I believe he did his best to get that helicopter on that rooftop to spare the people on the ground,” Dudley said.