CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All lanes of southbound Interstate 77 reopened Wednesday morning, nearly 24 hours after a deadly helicopter crash involving a WBTV news chopper, officials said.
The crash happened around noon Tuesday, just off the southbound side of I-77 between Tyvola Road and Nations Ford Road. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police blocked access to I-77 between Tyvola and Arrowood Road while crews worked to investigate the crash. The wreckage was removed around 10 a.m. Wednesday, allowing CMPD to open all lanes of I-77.
WBTV confirmed the victims were chopper pilot Chip Tayag and meteorologist Jason Myers.
I-77 lane closures in Charlotte
I-77 south was closed between Tyvola Road and Arrowood Road. Now, all lanes are open to traffic. An NTSB investigator arrived on scene around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday and expects to have the chopper removed by 9 a.m.
A preliminary report on the crash will reportedly be available in three weeks, according to the NTSB.
After the initial closure, all southbound drivers were diverted from I-77 at Tyvola Road. Drivers could follow Tyvola to either South Tryon Street or South Boulevard to access I-485 and eventually I-77.
I-77 detours
To avoid the crash site, I-77 southbound drivers were encouraged to take Exit 13A for Interstate 85 southbound. After 8 miles, drivers would take Exit 30A for Interstate 485 outer loop. Drivers would follow that for 10 miles, then rejoin I-77 near the South Carolina state line.
Northbound I-77 drivers from South Carolina would take Exit 1B for the inner loop of I-485. After 10 miles, drivers would take Exit 10 for I-86 northbound. After 8 miles, drivers could rejoin I-77.
Drivers were told to anticipate very slow commutes as secondary roads are overflowing with traffic. These routes included Nations Ford Road, Tryon Street, South Boulevard, Woodlawn Road, Clanton Road and Old Pineville Road.
How to access Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Drivers were able to get to Charlotte Douglas by taking Interstate 85 to Billy Graham Parkway, following Billy Graham to the exit for the airport and directly to airport parking.
Drivers could get to the airport from Woodlawn Road at I-77, but there is significant traffic in the area due to the interstate closure.
Heading to Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Columbia and other destinations in SC
To avoid the crash site, I-77 southbound drivers were encouraged to take Exit 13A for Interstate 85 southbound. After 8 miles, drivers would take Exit 30A for Interstate 485 outer loop. Drivers would follow that for 10 miles, then rejoin I-77 near the South Carolina state line.
Crash investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the crash.
While specifics have not yet been released, the NTSB has a standard process it typically follows in the aftermath of an aviation crash. On Wednesday, the agency confirmed to WCNC Charlotte that air traffic control at Charlotte Douglas did not get any distress calls from the copter.
Supporting Jason Myers' family
A family friend has launched a GoFundMe for the Myers, with all funds toward funeral and memorial expenses. It has far surpassed its original $15,000 goal as donors have contributed more than $70,000 as of writing.
If you feel called to give, you can do so at this link.
Supporting Chip Tayag's family
A family friend has launched a GoFundMe to help Tayag's family with funeral expenses. As of writing, almost $5,000 of a $15,000 goal has been raised.
If you feel called to give, you can do so at this link.
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