Charlotte, NC, September 20, 2025
News Summary
A judge in North Carolina has ordered a $50 million payment to the family of meteorologist Jason Myers, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash. This ruling came after a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Myers’ widow, Jillian Myers, determined that the companies responsible for the helicopter were liable. The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation revealed maintenance errors as a significant cause of the crash, underscoring the need for improved safety practices in the industry.
Charlotte, North Carolina –
A North Carolina judge has ordered a $50 million payment to the family of meteorologist Jason Myers, who was killed in a helicopter crash in November 2022. The judgment was issued after determining that the companies that owned and operated the helicopter were liable in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Myers’ widow, Jillian Myers. This ruling came from state Superior Court Judge Forrest Bridges following an evidentiary hearing.
The payment is required to be made by the insurers for Total Traffic & Weather Network, iHeartCommunications, and iHeartMedia within the next two months. Jason Myers, who was 41 years old, and pilot Chip Tayag died in the helicopter crash which occurred along a Charlotte-area interstate. The flight was intended for video training over a simulated news scene aimed at enhancing broadcast skills.
Jillian Myers filed the wrongful death lawsuit in March 2023, highlighting the significant emotional and financial impact of the loss on their family, which includes four children. Initially, a maintenance facility was named in the lawsuit but was later removed as a defendant.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation and found that the cause of the crash involved inadequate inspections, which in turn led to hardware loosening and a subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. A post-crash examination revealed that critical hardware related to the main rotor was disconnected, with connecting hardware missing. Judge Bridges acknowledged that the crash stemmed from operational and maintenance errors made by the responsible parties.
Although the full judgment amount totaled $126.3 million, the primary insurers will only pay $50 million, with Jillian Myers potentially pursuing the remaining amount from excess insurance carriers. The involved subsidiaries, Total Traffic & Weather Network and iHeartCommunications, did not provide a comment regarding the ruling.
The crash, which took place during a training flight on November 22, 2022, was triggered when the helicopter began executing a series of 360-degree turns and subsequently entered a steep descent. The NTSB report indicated that poor maintenance practices, including a loose bolt and improperly installed hardware, played a significant role in the incident, indicating that these components had likely not undergone proper inspection for over three years. Witnesses noted that the helicopter was not airworthy at the time of the crash, and claims of maintenance errors were labeled as “egregious” by Myers’ attorney.
Jillian Myers expressed that the settlement acknowledges the profound impact of Jason’s death on their family. However, she noted that no financial sum could replace him. The family hopes that this legal victory will inspire improvements in operational and maintenance practices within the helicopter industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Jason Myers, who was a well-known figure in North Carolina, had been working at WBTV since 2019 and was remembered as a compassionate family man by those who knew him.
FAQ
What was the amount awarded to Jason Myers’ family?
A North Carolina judge has ordered a $50 million payment to the family of meteorologist Jason Myers.
Who was found liable for the helicopter crash?
The companies that owned and operated the helicopter were found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Myers’ widow, Jillian Myers.
When did the helicopter crash occur?
The crash occurred during a training flight on November 22, 2022.
What caused the helicopter crash according to the NTSB report?
The NTSB report found that the crash was caused by inadequate inspections, leading to hardware loosening and loss of helicopter control.
How many children did Jason Myers have?
Jillian Myers and Jason Myers have four children together.
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