Pilot killed in helicopter crash in southeast Pa.

ERWINNA, Pa. (AP) — A fiery helicopter crash in Bucks County today killed the pilot, a recently retired Pennsylvania state trooper.

The helicopter went down in the woods and caught fire shortly after takeoff around 6:30 a.m., when emergency dispatchers said callers reported hearing an explosion.

Pennsylvania State Police identified the pilot as Cpl. Doug Brigham, a 24-year veteran who retired early last year. Authorities said he also was a decorated pilot, a member of the local fire company that responded to his crash and the Tinicum Township Department of Emergency Management, and a volunteer for Patient Airlift Services.

Brigham flew choppers for the state police and received a commendation from the county in 2010 for his assistance in a search for a missing person.