Sheriff's office helicopter crashes in South Carolina; commercial flights temporarily suspended

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A helicopter from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office crashed near an airport in South Carolina Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office said the pilot was identified as Lt. Scott Martray. He has been a pilot with the sheriff's office since 2006.

Before the helicopter crashed, he reported a malfunction. He is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at an area hospital.

The helicopter crashed at about 3:30 p.m., the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said.

Charleston County Sheriff's Office Executive Director and CEO Elliott Summey said Martray anticipated the crash and was able to get himself to the middle of the airfield before the helicopter went down.

Summey described the helicopter as being "in shambles," but said the pilot is "fine".

The sheriff's office tweeted about the flights' suspension at 3:47 p.m. Travelers are asked to check in with their individual airlines before arriving at CHS for their flights.

Deputies said the crash will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

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