'Inadequate inspections' led to helicopter crash that killed two WBTV employees, NTSB finds

A year and a half after a deadly television helicopter crash in Charlotte killed two employees, the National Transportation Safety Board concluded a loose bolt and other improperly installed hardware caused the wreck.

The Nov. 22, 2022, crash killed pilot Chip Tayag and WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers.

WCNC reported on Thursday, that the bolt, a nut, palnut, two washers and two hat-shaped spacers were found to be loose, according to the NTSB. Investigators concluded they had backed out of their intended position during the flight.

"It is unlikely that the hardware was secure before the flight and may have been loose for multiple flights before the accident," the report released Thursday explains.

The helicopter was owned by Metro Networks Communications, In.c, and operated by Total Traffic & Weather Network. WRAL News has reached out to both, and to WBTV management, for their response to the findings in the report.