Chatsworth helicopter crash: 3 killed, including NBCLA pilot and aerial reporter

LOS ANGELES - Three people are dead, and two others injured after an NBCLA news helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings in Chatsworth on Tuesday evening. 

The crew aboard NewsChopper4 was covering an earlier fatal collision involving a Metro bus when the aircraft went down. 

Federal aviation officials are on scene to investigate the cause of the tragic incident.

What we know:

Firefighters and paramedics responded to 9151 Mason Ave., near Nordhoff Street, just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. 

A television news helicopter operated by Angel City Air, providing coverage for NBCLA and Telemundo 52, crashed into a parking lot between two commercial buildings. The impact ignited a fire that quickly spread to four nearby vehicles and two shipping containers before crews extinguished the flames, officials said.

Three people were killed in the incident, including two crew members aboard the aircraft and a pedestrian on the ground.

News crew killed in crash 

NBCLA identified the crew members as pilot George Marciniw and reporter Eliana Moreno. The pedestrian killed was identified by the LA County medical examiner as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia.

The helicopter was at the location to report on a separate fatal collision that occurred earlier in the evening just a block away on Nordhoff Street near De Soto Avenue. 

In that incident, an SUV driven by 36-year-old Bailee Rios allegedly T-boned a Metro bus, leaving three people dead and six injured. Rios was hospitalized, arrested upon release, and booked on murder charges with bail set at $2.03 million.

In addition to the three fatalities, Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Rico Gross confirmed two people on the ground were injured.

Dig deeper:

Marciniw grew up in Southern California and graduated from Burbank High School in 1974. 

Moreno, born in Orange County, graduated from Chapman University in 2010 before joining Angel City Air later that year.

The two had been flying together since 2023.

This marks the second fatal crash in NBCLA history involving a news helicopter. On Aug. 1, 1977, a Bell 206 news helicopter piloted by former U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers ran out of fuel and crashed near Encino, killing Powers and cameraman George Spears.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the NBCLA helicopter to crash. 

A witness at the scene reported seeing the aircraft swaying in the air immediately before it went down and a cloud of smoke emerged. 

It's unclear whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other factors contributed to the loss of control.

"My heart is with the families" 

What they're saying:

NBCLA and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles released a joint statement mourning the loss of their crew. 

"We are deeply saddened to share that a helicopter providing aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was involved in a fatal accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening," the stations stated. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives."

Governor Gavin Newsom praised the emergency teams at the scene, posting, "Our hearts are with the victims and families of tonight’s devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and with the entire NBC4 family. Thank you to the first responders working tirelessly tonight."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her sympathy and requested public cooperation. "I'm absolutely devastated by the loss of life in Chatsworth tonight," Mayor Bass said in a social media statement. "My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash. I'm grateful to the City teams who responded so quickly. Please stay clear of the area as public safety officials remain on scene."

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath stated that her office is working closely with Metro and local authorities to ensure affected families receive support. Supervisor Kathryn Barger also offered her condolences, sharing that she was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the loss affecting the NBC4 community based in her district.

Metro released the following statement in response: "Yesterday, at approximately 5:02 p.m., a Metro Line 166 bus traveling eastbound on Nordhoff Street was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on De Soto Avenue. There were two confirmed fatalities, and six people were transported to a local hospital in unknown condition. Metro extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. Metro thanks the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for their prompt response to the scene. The Los Angeles Police Department is leading the investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-TIPS or 800-222-8477."

Cause of crash under investigation 

What's next:

An investigative team from the National Transportation Safety Board, alongside representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, is expected in Chatsworth Wednesday. 

They will conduct a full technical examination of the wreckage, assess radar data, and analyze environmental factors to determine the cause of the crash.  

Public safety officials will remain on scene to secure the area during the preliminary findings phase.

What you can do:

Residents and commuters are asked to avoid the immediate area surrounding 9151 Mason Ave. and Nordhoff Street in Chatsworth to allow emergency crews and federal investigators unhindered access to the crash site.

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