From 5 miles away (and in close proximity to ABC NewsCopter7), Chopper4 just finished its zoom out as the “collapse” began. To this day the pilot remains unknown. Onboard reporter April Amonica, was given little airtime. Hear April report the 5 mile restriction ten minutes after the 2nd plane impact, on the local WNBC network. Nationally, a longer version was replayed a minute afterward so Matt Lauer and Katie Couric could see for themselves in the “Today Show” studio. The distant, wobbly, yellow-tinted shot was replayed little afterward. “Ghosting” in the shot further reduced the quality, with mirrored corners of the towers.
NBC brought us the most angles of any network. Their local “SkyCam” network probably caught more than we’ve seen, too. See this image for example— an angle without a matching video on record (no 2nd plane video, either). See also 4 , 19, and 20 below (and others).
On March 8, 1996, WNBC unveiled the first-of-its-kind Skycam Network consisting of high resolution, remote controlled cameras perched at key points of interest across the Tri-State area. The Skycam Network is in operation 24 hours a day and features 24 cameras. The state-of-the-art Skycam Network is an investment in WNBC’s overall coverage of the Tri-State area and is used in all local newscasts. Since its debut, the station has used the Skycam Network to highlight traffic situations; check on Newark, LaGuardia and Kennedy airports; present live pictures of developing weather situations; and, capture breaking news stories…. – http://www.telemundo47.com/station/1169359/detail.html
Raw NIST Cumulus file: WNBC Dub6 15
