Update:  Al Tompkins reports on developments in the aftermath of Friday's Phoenix crash.  See Tuesday's Morning Meeting. 

Also, Jill Geisler proposes an unorthodox approach to minimizing risks and maximizing resources.  See this week's Leading Lines.

---

Background:  Two pilots and two reporters died in Phoenix Friday afternoon when their television news helicopters collided in the air during coverage of a police chase on the ground.  The helicopters belonged to KNXV-TV and KTVK-TV. 

 

The Associated Press reported that at least one of the helicopters was transmitting a live report at the time of the collision.  At least one pilot representing another Phoenix TV station, also covering the police chase, reported seeing the crash.

 

KTVK reported that its pilot Scott Bowerbank and photojournalist Jim Cox were killed.  KNXV said its pilot Craig Smith and photojournalist Rick Krolack died. 

 

The Arizona Republic had this account of the crash:  http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0727crashmain0727.html

 

Here is background on Craig Smith:

 

And on Rick Krolak:
http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=F32361C0-4790-4C78-979F-BFFCFBA7D0AB

 

Jim Cox remembered: 

 

And:  http://www.azfamily.com/video/localnews-index.html?nvid=162427

Background on Scott Bowerbank:

 

Click here to link to the condolence book for Bowerbank:  http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=91549502

 

For Cox:  http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=91549796

 

For Krolak:  http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=91549986

 

For Smith:  http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=91549934