Former WSB-TV pilot, passenger die in helicopter crash

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Channel 2 Action News has learned Matt Wallace, a former News Chopper 2 pilot, was one of the two people who died in a helicopter crash Tuesday morning.
 
The crash happened in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
 
Authorities say Wallace and his passenger, identified as 63-year-old David Carson, were conducting an aerial inspection of a transmission line when the crash occurred.
 
Authorities say the helicopter they were in was contracted by Alabama Power.
 
Wallace worked at WSB-TV as a chopper operator from 1997 to 2003.

News Chopper 2's Jason Durden says he's heartbroken by the loss of Wallace, remembered as an "excellent pilot and an even better man."

http://twitter.com/JasonDurdenWSB/status/501902481723752449

Carson, Wallace's passenger, was a senior line specialist at Alabama Power and had 44 years of service at the company, officials said.

Alabama Power officials released the following statement about Carson Tuesday night.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to David's family during this difficult time."

WSBTV