Two people were killed when a television news helicopter crashed in North Carolina on Tuesday.

The incident happened around 12:20 p.m. local time when the helicopter used by WBTV (Channel 3, CBS) crashed near a highway in Charlotte.

Flight data available online indicated the helicopter was in the air for less than 10 minutes when the crash occurred. The pilot appeared to circle the area several times before putting the helicopter down in an area away from traffic.

A short time after the crash, WBTV confirmed their news helicopter was the air vehicle involved in the crash. The helicopter’s pilot, Chip Tayag, and meteorologist Jason Myers were killed in the crash, the station said.

“We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time,” a station official said in a statement. “We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.”

A local law enforcement official said Tayag is considered a hero because it appears the pilot steered the doomed helicopter away from the highway, which likely saved lives.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.