NTSB says no mechanical problems found in KOMO helicopter that crashed

SEATTLE (AP) — Federal investigators have released factual findings into last year's Seattle news helicopter crash that killed two men on board and burned a third on the ground.

"All of the observed damage, failures, and deformations during the wreckage examination were determined to be a result of the impact forces and post-impact fire," the National Transportation Safety Board report said. "No pre-impact anomalies were noted with the helicopter during the investigation that would have precluded normal operation."

The new NTSB report doesn't come to conclusions about what likely caused the fiery March 2014 crash near the Space Needle. The probable cause of the crash will be spelled out in another report, due out in two to eight weeks.

The crash killed pilot Gary Pfitzner and former KOMO-TV news photographer Bill Strothman. A Seattle man was seriously burned when the helicopter crashed on his car.

The National Transportation Safety Board on the crash contains information from security cameras and eyewitness accounts. It says the helicopter, leased jointly by KOMO and KING-TV, was well-maintained and the pilot was experienced.