According to authorities, a news helicopter crash in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of a meteorologist and a pilot. Let’s see in detail about what happened in charlotte helicopter crash?.
What happaned in charlotte helicopter crash?
Around noon on Tuesday in south Charlotte, a helicopter crashed, killing two employees of a Charlotte television station.
It’s a tragic day in Charlotte. As we’re entering into the holiday season, there are now two community members that won’t be home spending time with their families. This is a devastating loss and my thoughts and prayers are with their families and our entire community. https://t.co/Z4OfLVeDFT
— Chief Jennings (@cmpdchief) November 22, 2022
At Nations Ford Road, close to Interstate 77, the collision happened. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, according to MEDIC.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Robinson R44 helicopter crashed at about 12:20 p.m. close to Interstate 77 and Nations Ford Road.
According to a statement issued by the broadcaster on Tuesday, the aircraft belonged to neighbourhood CBS news station WBTV.
The message read, “The WBTV family is grieving a tremendous loss.” “Both pilot Chip Tayag and meteorologist Jason Myers died. In this trying time, we’re working to console their families.
Jason Myers and Chip Tayag died
The Mecklenburg EMS Agency pronounced Myers and Tayag, the only two occupants of the aircraft, dead.
Tuesday around 3 p.m., WBTV issued a statement confirming that the crash involved the station’s helicopter.
Who was Jason Myers and Chip Tayag?
Myers, according to WBTV, was raised in North Carolina and later worked in Texas and Virginia before moving back to the Charlotte region. He leaves a wife and four kids in his wake.
Tayag joined WBTV in 2017, after working as a pilot for more than 20 years.
According to authorities, there were no automobiles on the roadway that were engaged in the collision.
What did Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said?
Tuesday afternoon at a news conference, Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department praised the helicopter’s pilot for avoiding approaching vehicles while landing.
According to Jennings, it appeared that the pilot of the aircraft did some evasive manoeuvres to avoid colliding with any oncoming traffic. And if that’s the case, the pilot deserves praise for doing everything in his power to ensure the security and safety of those who were operating motor vehicles.
Police posted on Twitter, “All of I-77 Southbound is currently closed near the Nations Ford exit and will remain closed for an extended period of time,” later adding, “Ramps from I-85 north and south to I-77 south are also closed.” The I-77 will soon have two lanes of traffic available thanks to police efforts.
What caused the collision is being looked into by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Investigation and Witnesses about Robinson R44 helicopter crash
While travelling on Interstate 77, Carolyn Russ witnessed the collision take place. She told Channel 9 that the helicopter crashed next to her.
Russ told Channel 9 that the helicopter was “flying kind of side to side” and “I knew instantly the aircraft is going to crash.”
Russ said, “It started to nose dive, turned around and started heading north, and it just slammed into the ground right on the side of the highway right next to my car.
The Charlotte Flight Standards District Office of the FAA reportedly started scouring the crash site on Tuesday, according to Channel 9. The local FAA is in responsible of investigating the flight’s additional safety measures, including the flight log, the pilot’s qualifications, and any audio recordings. The NTSB, on the other hand, will act as a “recommending authority,” which means they will investigate and identify the crash’s most likely cause.
The NTSB stated that a preliminary report might be available in four to six weeks, while the release of the final report might take 12 to 24 months.
It was a Robinson R-44 helic-opter. Bryan Burns, the president of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, was questioned by Channel 9 regarding the actual aircraft.
It’s a very airworthy, very reliable training aircraft that is frequently used by flight schools where people are attempting to obtain their helicopter license, according to Burns.
Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina issued a succinct statement on the accident’s victims online. Following the crash, a lot of other regional leaders and organisations posted their opinions online.
Tribute to Jason Myers and Chip Tayag
Kathy Berndt said,
My sincere condolences and prayers to their families
Richard James Safick said,
So sorry for the loss thoughts and prayers go out the families
Cara Linn said,
I’m so sorry. As someone whose career has included the helicopter industry, I know the shock and sadness of tragic events such as this one. It’s devastating. Prayers for all who have lost a loved one
Pattye Pece said,
I am so sorry for your loss, Andrew. Prayers for all who knew them.
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