Report: No distress calls were made from WBTV helicopter before crash

WRAL News has learned more details about the moments before a deadly WBTV helicopter crash in Charlotte.

Initial National Transportation Safety Board findings showed the helicopter made two 360-degree turns over I-77 before descending rapidly.

Investigators also said the pilot made no distress calls to the Charlotte Air Tower.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the helicopter was a Robinson R44 and was carrying two people.

Meteorologist Jason Myers and Pilot Chip Tayag were both killed.

Funeral arrangements have been set for Jason Myers this weekend.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings held a briefing Tuesday afternoon about the crash.

Jennings said witnesses saw the pilot maneuvering to avoid hitting cars on the highway – and confirmed no other vehicles were involved, as the pilot crashed alongside the road in the grass.

“It seems the pilot made some diversionary moves to avoid hitting traffic. Fortunately, there were no vehicles involved in it. As we move forward, to me it looks like a heroic incident where the pilot tried to avoid injuring anyone else," he said. "So, that is certainly a heroic act, and it probably saved some lives."

Jennings said there was no indication of any type of fire in the crash.