Three people have died after an NBC4 news helicopter crashed and burst into flames in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, while covering a nearby road collision.
The helicopter came down shortly before 7pm on Tuesday, September 15, between two commercial buildings on North Mason Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. One person on the ground was killed and another was taken to hospital in an unknown condition.
The aircraft was NewsChopper4, operated by Angel City Air for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. The two people aboard were identified as aerial journalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both employees of Angel City Air.
Moreno had worked with NBC4 and Telemundo 52 since joining the helicopter team in 2010. She and Marciniw had reportedly been flying together since 2023.
Firefighters said the helicopter was severely damaged in the crash and the resulting blaze, which also spread to four vehicles and two storage containers. Fifty-six firefighters attended the scene before the fire was extinguished.
Witness Allyona Sevanesian said the helicopter appeared to sway before coming down, after which there was “a cloud of smoke”.
Investigation into Chatsworth helicopter crash
The aircraft had been covering an earlier collision involving an SUV and a Metro bus near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue, about a short distance away. That crash also left people dead and injured, prompting several news crews to gather in the area.
NBC4 said it lost contact with its air crew at about the time of the crash before confirming that its helicopter was involved. The station and Telemundo 52 said they were “deeply saddened” and extended their condolences to the victims’ families, friends and colleagues.
The cause of the Chatsworth helicopter crash has not been established. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
California governor Gavin Newsom said his thoughts were with the victims, their families and “the entire NBC4 family”, while thanking emergency crews who responded to the scene.
