Two Dead After Helicopter Crashes On Interstate In North Carolina

A pilot and meteorologist in Charlotte, North Carolina died in a helicopter crash along Interstate 77 South at noon Tuesday.

Both the pilot and the meteorologist worked for WBTV News in Charlotte.

WBTV verified the victims were meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag shortly after 3 p.m.

As of right now, the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Update: A WBTV news staff member has confirmed the Sky 3 helicopter was in the crash on Interstate 77. https://t.co/NkB5VdAUwZ

— The Charlotte Observer (@theobserver) November 22, 2022

BREAKING: Two people are dead after a helicopter crash on I-77 in south Charlotte, North Carolina. https://t.co/n8LIxT4AHu

— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) November 22, 2022

The Charlotte Observer reported these details:

A pilot and meteorologist with the WBTV news station in Charlotte died in a helicopter crash around noon Tuesday in Charlotte, off Interstate 77 South. Just after 3 p.m., WBTV confirmed that the victims were meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag. Just after 3 p.m.

Three other people were transported to the hospital, Medic reported. “The WBTV family is grieving a terrible loss,” the station said in a statement.

“Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board. 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.” Myers is from in Union and Catawba counties and married his childhood sweetheart, they have four children, WBTV said.

Tayag came to WBTV five years ago as an ENG pilot operating Sky3. He had been a pilot for more than 20 years.

Paramedics are currently on the scene of a helicopter crash on I-77 near Nations Ford Road. MEDIC confirms two people have been pronounced dead @WCCBCharlotte pic.twitter.com/P92larIMkq

— Deirnesa Jefferson (@DeirnesaJ) November 22, 2022

Fox News added these details:

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department said traffic will be backed up for some time after a deadly helicopter crash on I-77.

All southbound lanes were blocked near Nations Ford Road for hours while crews worked to investigate the wreckage of the crash, which is taped off in a grassy area beside the interstate.

WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag were killed in the crash.

As of 5:30 p.m., two lanes on the southbound side of the interstate reopened but the area was still experiencing heavy traffic impacts.

Investigators say it appears Tayag tried to avoid hitting any vehicles on the road and diverted the helicopter while it was crashing. The chief of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department said Tayag is a hero for his efforts to save other lives.