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Retired NYPD officer killed in NJ helicopter crash

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MYFOXNY.COM/AP -

Authorities say the pilot who was killed in a helicopter crash in central New Jersey Saturday afternoon was a retired NYPD officer. 

65-year-old Michael Scarfia was killed when his helicopter went down in West Windsor.

The deadly crash happened around noon in West Windsor and several witnesses reported hearing grinding noises and possible explosions shortly before the Aerospatiale AS355 twin-engine helicopter went down in a cornfield near Route 1 and Quakerbridge Road. 

Authorities say Scarfia diverted his chopper into the cornfield away from the shopping malls to avoid hitting the populated area. The helicopter burst into flames when it fell to the ground. 

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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