Charlotte Community Mourns as Second Lawsuit Emerges from Helicopter Crash Tragedy

Charlotte Reels as Second Lawsuit Filed After Helicopter Tragedy

Charlotte, NC – It’s been two long years since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of pilot Christopher “Chip” Tayag and WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers. As the community reflects on this somber anniversary, a new chapter in the story has emerged with the filing of a second lawsuit. This time, the focus is on the helicopter’s manufacturer – the California-based Robinson Helicopter Company.

A Heartbreaking Loss

The tragedy unfolded on November 22, 2022, when Tayag and Myers were out on a test flight, engaging in a simulated news scene. Tayag, with over 2,000 hours of flying experience – that’s nearly 83 full days in the air – found himself facing a nightmare that nobody could have prepared for. The helicopter crashed on Interstate 77, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of many.

The Investigation’s Findings

A thorough investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that the crash was the result of a loose bolt and other improperly installed hardware. The faulty assembly included a nut, palnut, two washers, and two hat-shaped spacers that had been installed incorrectly and had been loose for about three years. These maintenance oversights ultimately led to Tayag losing control of the helicopter.

Even more shocking, the NTSB found that inadequate inspections of the helicopter were a contributing factor, as both pilots and maintenance personnel had the responsibility to check hardware before each flight. Clearly, the system broke down at multiple levels.

A Widow’s Fight for Justice

On the eve of the second anniversary of her husband’s death, Kerry Tayag filed a lawsuit against Robinson Helicopter Company in Charlotte’s federal court. Her claim? The company acted negligently by not addressing an ongoing issue with self-locking nuts, which had been a known problem. In fact, the company even issued letters warning owners and operators about potential failures, yet didn’t require any action to be taken.

The lawsuit alleges that the company caused Tayag’s wrongful death and seeks a trial by jury to hold them accountable for their alleged negligence. Kerry argues not only for justice but also for the financial support and companionship she lost with the passing of her husband, including claims for funeral expenses from November 2022.

Other Legal Proceedings

This isn’t the only lawsuit related to this tragic incident. In March 2023, Jillian Myers, the widow of Jason Myers, filed a lawsuit against Wilson Air Center, TTWN Media Network, and iHeartMedia. She alleged that a mechanic failed to diagnose critical maintenance issues, which contributed to the flight being deemed unairworthy. Ms. Myers also pointed fingers at Tayag for not conducting proper inspections and lacking necessary emergency procedures for engine failure during the flight.

These cases have been making their way through the legal system, with the complexities requiring special handling from the courts in Cleveland and Lincoln counties.

A Community in Mourning

As Charlotte navigates the aftermath of this tragedy, the memory of Tayag and Myers continues to resonate within the community. Their stories are not just about the accidents that took their lives, but also about the legacy they leave behind. Loved ones, friends, and colleagues are focusing on honoring their memories by ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again.

With these lawsuits unfolding in the public eye, many are left to ponder the critical needs for better safety standards in aviation. The hope is that through justice and awareness, the heartbreaking lessons learned from this incident will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.