CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says no distress calls were received from the pilot of WBTV’s Sky3 prior to Tuesday’s fatal crash.
A release from the NTSB Wednesday detailed the moments leading up to the crash, which took place around noon along I-77 in south Charlotte.
What You Need To Know
- The NTSB released an update on Tuesday's helicopter crash that killed two people in Charlotte
- Pilot Chip Tayag and Meteorologist James Myers were identified by WBTV as victims in the crash
- No distress calls were received from the pilot of WBTV’s Sky3 prior to the crash, NTSB officials say
- The NTSB is asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to please email witness@ntsb.gov
“The helicopter, operated by Total Traffic and Weather Network, took off from the WBTV helipad and proceeded south for about five miles,” the statement said. “The aircraft was in contact with CLT Tower and obtained clearance to enter CLT air space. It proceeded to do two 360-degree turns over I-77 before descending rapidly into the ground adjacent to the highway.”
According to information from NTSB, “CLT Tower received no distress calls from the pilot” prior to the Robinson R44 helicopter going down.
Pilot Chip Tayag and Meteorologist James Myers were both identified by WBTV as victims in the crash.
Related: I-77 fully reopens in area of Tuesday's deadly news helicopter crash
Investigators worked the scene into the Wednesday morning hours and moved the wreckage to a facility for further examination. Officials say they are working to compile witness statements and gather surveillance footage from nearby buildings.
The NTSB is asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to please email witness@ntsb.gov.
Investigators say a preliminary report should be available within 2-3 weeks, however it could take anywhere from 12-24 months before a final report listing any cause or contributing factors to the crash may be released.