A helicopter pilot and a meteorologist who worked for a North Carolina television station died Tuesday when a news helicopter crashed along an interstate highway.
The people killed in the crash were identified by WBTV. There were no vehicles on the ground that were involved in the crash that snarled traffic on I 77 in Charlotte.
According to a statement from the FAA, there were two people on the helicopter. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene.
On the air, the station paid tribute to the two men. WBTV broadcasters who had been reporting on the crash were able to identify their colleagues through their cracked voices.
They are trying to comfort their families. The station said in a statement that they appreciated the support for their staff.
There were no vehicles on the ground. The pilot made some "diversionary" maneuvers and "tried to avoid injuring anyone else" and "probably saved some lives" according to preliminary witness accounts.
If that is true, the pilot is a hero to me because he made sure that the safety and security of those that were driving was not in danger.
Going into the holiday season, we are supposed to be spending time with our loved ones. There are two people involved in this crash that won't be coming home for the holidays.
Along with the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
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