According to reports, a pilot and a meteorologist were both killed when a helicopter crashed onto an Interstate in Charlotte on Tuesday.
Jason Myers, a meteorologist at local news station WBTV, and Chip Tayag, the helicopter’s pilot, were the sole people on board the chopper, according to CBS News.
“Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board,” WBTV made the statement in a statement. “Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.”
WBTV reported that Myers was survived by his wife and four kids.
WBTV reports that Tayag has been flying the Sky3 helicopters since 2017, and has more than 20 years experience in piloting,
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, two passengers were aboard the Robinson R44 helicopter when it crashed.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said at a press conference Tuesday that no other vehicles were involved, as the helicopter landed just off of I-77.
“It seems the pilot that was operating the aircraft made some diversionary moves to avoid hitting traffic … To me it looks like a heroic incident where the pilot tried to avoid injuring anyone else and putting anyone else in danger,” Jennings said. “If that is truly the case then that pilot is a hero, in my eyes, to make sure the safety and security of those driving on the road was not in jeopardy.”
Federal Aviation Administration (NATSB) and National Transportation Safety Board are both investigating the incident.