NTSB Report Says Helicopter Alarms Blared Seconds Before Deadly Chatsworth Crash
Prairie St & Lurline Ave
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Summary
- Three people are dead after a helicopter went down in a fiery crash on the evening of Sept. 15 in Chatsworth, close to the site of a deadly bus crash that occurred earlier in the day, per LAFD officials.
- The helicopter, NewsChopper4, was operated by Angel City Air and providing aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. The two victims aboard were identified as pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, who had been flying together since 2023. The third victim, killed on the ground, has been identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia. A fourth person on the ground suffered minor injuries.
- The NTSB released its preliminary report on Oct. 6. Investigators say the helicopter had been circling the bus crash scene for about an hour and 24 minutes when, during the final 29 seconds of the reporter's live video, the sound of the aircraft changed pitch and warning horns consistent with the main rotor's high and low rpm advisories can be heard.
- Flight data shows the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and nearly stationary before it entered a rapid, right-turning descent and struck a metal storage container, sparking a fire. The report does not identify a cause.
- The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for further examination. A final NTSB report, including a probable cause, is expected to follow after a monthslong investigation.
Timeline
The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for further examination, and the NTSB says a final report could take a year or longer.
Three people were killed - NBC4 reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, pilot George Marciniw, 70, and Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, who was on the ground. A fourth person on the ground suffered minor injuries.
The helicopter took off from Whiteman Airport in Pacoima at 5:24 PM and flew about nine miles west to Chatsworth to cover a fatal crash between an SUV and a Metro bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. It circled the scene for about an hour and 24 minutes before going down at 6:55 PM.
Flight data shows the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and moving at roughly 6 knots during its last minute of flight. It then began a rapid descent while turning right. Security cameras on nearby buildings recorded the helicopter coming down at a high rate and striking a metal storage container, and a fire broke out immediately after impact.
The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the crash. Investigators say that during the final 29 seconds of the reporter's live video, the sound of the helicopter changed pitch and intermittent, then continuous, warning horns can be heard. Those horns are consistent with the helicopter's main rotor high rpm and low rotor rpm advisories. The report does not identify a cause.
A preliminary NTSB report is expected within about 30 days. A final report, including a probable cause, will follow after a months-long investigation.
NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar said cockpit video would likely be the most important piece of evidence, capturing engine speed changes and a warning signal before the crash.
The third victim, killed on the ground, has been identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the scene on Wednesday morning.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the federal investigation, with the FAA also participating. Investigators noted the helicopter's tail number could not be read due to the severity of the wreckage, though the aircraft is presumed to be a Eurocopter AS350 B2 built in 2004.
The victims aboard the helicopter were identified as pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, both Angel City Air employees who had flown together since 2023.
Firefighters are continuing to manage smoke still actively emanating from the crash scene.
Their condition was not provided.
EMS assessed a fourth injured person, who was taken to a nearby hospital.
LAFD has confirmed that two occupants of the helicopter have been pronounced dead, for a total of three people killed by the crash.
The NTSB has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that a person was pronounced dead at the scene, who was not aboard the helicopter.
The helicopter has been confirmed to be operated by KNBC.
Per BNO News, the aircraft was being operated by KNBC. This has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
The number of injuries is unclear.
Per KTLA, multiple news helicopters were operating in the area, covering an earlier fatal bus crash when the incident occurred.
Firefighters are attempting to put out multiple vehicles that caught fire from the burning helicopter.
Per KTLA, a helicopter caught fire after crashing.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at Prairie St & Lurline Ave.
The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for further examination, and the NTSB says a final report could take a year or longer.
Three people were killed - NBC4 reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, pilot George Marciniw, 70, and Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, who was on the ground. A fourth person on the ground suffered minor injuries.
The helicopter took off from Whiteman Airport in Pacoima at 5:24 PM and flew about nine miles west to Chatsworth to cover a fatal crash between an SUV and a Metro bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. It circled the scene for about an hour and 24 minutes before going down at 6:55 PM.
Flight data shows the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and moving at roughly 6 knots during its last minute of flight. It then began a rapid descent while turning right. Security cameras on nearby buildings recorded the helicopter coming down at a high rate and striking a metal storage container, and a fire broke out immediately after impact.
The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the crash. Investigators say that during the final 29 seconds of the reporter's live video, the sound of the helicopter changed pitch and intermittent, then continuous, warning horns can be heard. Those horns are consistent with the helicopter's main rotor high rpm and low rotor rpm advisories. The report does not identify a cause.
A preliminary NTSB report is expected within about 30 days. A final report, including a probable cause, will follow after a months-long investigation.
NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar said cockpit video would likely be the most important piece of evidence, capturing engine speed changes and a warning signal before the crash.
The third victim, killed on the ground, has been identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the scene on Wednesday morning.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the federal investigation, with the FAA also participating. Investigators noted the helicopter's tail number could not be read due to the severity of the wreckage, though the aircraft is presumed to be a Eurocopter AS350 B2 built in 2004.
The victims aboard the helicopter were identified as pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, both Angel City Air employees who had flown together since 2023.
Firefighters are continuing to manage smoke still actively emanating from the crash scene.
Their condition was not provided.
EMS assessed a fourth injured person, who was taken to a nearby hospital.
LAFD has confirmed that two occupants of the helicopter have been pronounced dead, for a total of three people killed by the crash.
The NTSB has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that a person was pronounced dead at the scene, who was not aboard the helicopter.
The helicopter has been confirmed to be operated by KNBC.
Per BNO News, the aircraft was being operated by KNBC. This has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
The number of injuries is unclear.
Per KTLA, multiple news helicopters were operating in the area, covering an earlier fatal bus crash when the incident occurred.
Firefighters are attempting to put out multiple vehicles that caught fire from the burning helicopter.
Per KTLA, a helicopter caught fire after crashing.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at Prairie St & Lurline Ave.
The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for further examination, and the NTSB says a final report could take a year or longer.
Three people were killed - NBC4 reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, pilot George Marciniw, 70, and Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, who was on the ground. A fourth person on the ground suffered minor injuries.
The helicopter took off from Whiteman Airport in Pacoima at 5:24 PM and flew about nine miles west to Chatsworth to cover a fatal crash between an SUV and a Metro bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. It circled the scene for about an hour and 24 minutes before going down at 6:55 PM.
Flight data shows the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and moving at roughly 6 knots during its last minute of flight. It then began a rapid descent while turning right. Security cameras on nearby buildings recorded the helicopter coming down at a high rate and striking a metal storage container, and a fire broke out immediately after impact.
The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the crash. Investigators say that during the final 29 seconds of the reporter's live video, the sound of the helicopter changed pitch and intermittent, then continuous, warning horns can be heard. Those horns are consistent with the helicopter's main rotor high rpm and low rotor rpm advisories. The report does not identify a cause.
A preliminary NTSB report is expected within about 30 days. A final report, including a probable cause, will follow after a months-long investigation.
NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar said cockpit video would likely be the most important piece of evidence, capturing engine speed changes and a warning signal before the crash.
The third victim, killed on the ground, has been identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the scene on Wednesday morning.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the federal investigation, with the FAA also participating. Investigators noted the helicopter's tail number could not be read due to the severity of the wreckage, though the aircraft is presumed to be a Eurocopter AS350 B2 built in 2004.
The victims aboard the helicopter were identified as pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, both Angel City Air employees who had flown together since 2023.
Firefighters are continuing to manage smoke still actively emanating from the crash scene.
Their condition was not provided.
EMS assessed a fourth injured person, who was taken to a nearby hospital.
LAFD has confirmed that two occupants of the helicopter have been pronounced dead, for a total of three people killed by the crash.
The NTSB has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that a person was pronounced dead at the scene, who was not aboard the helicopter.
The helicopter has been confirmed to be operated by KNBC.
Per BNO News, the aircraft was being operated by KNBC. This has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
The number of injuries is unclear.
Per KTLA, multiple news helicopters were operating in the area, covering an earlier fatal bus crash when the incident occurred.
Firefighters are attempting to put out multiple vehicles that caught fire from the burning helicopter.
Per KTLA, a helicopter caught fire after crashing.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at Prairie St & Lurline Ave.
The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for further examination, and the NTSB says a final report could take a year or longer.
Three people were killed - NBC4 reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, pilot George Marciniw, 70, and Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, who was on the ground. A fourth person on the ground suffered minor injuries.
The helicopter took off from Whiteman Airport in Pacoima at 5:24 PM and flew about nine miles west to Chatsworth to cover a fatal crash between an SUV and a Metro bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. It circled the scene for about an hour and 24 minutes before going down at 6:55 PM.
Flight data shows the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and moving at roughly 6 knots during its last minute of flight. It then began a rapid descent while turning right. Security cameras on nearby buildings recorded the helicopter coming down at a high rate and striking a metal storage container, and a fire broke out immediately after impact.
The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the crash. Investigators say that during the final 29 seconds of the reporter's live video, the sound of the helicopter changed pitch and intermittent, then continuous, warning horns can be heard. Those horns are consistent with the helicopter's main rotor high rpm and low rotor rpm advisories. The report does not identify a cause.
A preliminary NTSB report is expected within about 30 days. A final report, including a probable cause, will follow after a months-long investigation.
NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar said cockpit video would likely be the most important piece of evidence, capturing engine speed changes and a warning signal before the crash.
The third victim, killed on the ground, has been identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the scene on Wednesday morning.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the federal investigation, with the FAA also participating. Investigators noted the helicopter's tail number could not be read due to the severity of the wreckage, though the aircraft is presumed to be a Eurocopter AS350 B2 built in 2004.
The victims aboard the helicopter were identified as pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, both Angel City Air employees who had flown together since 2023.
Firefighters are continuing to manage smoke still actively emanating from the crash scene.
Their condition was not provided.
EMS assessed a fourth injured person, who was taken to a nearby hospital.
LAFD has confirmed that two occupants of the helicopter have been pronounced dead, for a total of three people killed by the crash.
The NTSB has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that a person was pronounced dead at the scene, who was not aboard the helicopter.
The helicopter has been confirmed to be operated by KNBC.
Per BNO News, the aircraft was being operated by KNBC. This has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
The number of injuries is unclear.
Per KTLA, multiple news helicopters were operating in the area, covering an earlier fatal bus crash when the incident occurred.
Firefighters are attempting to put out multiple vehicles that caught fire from the burning helicopter.
Per KTLA, a helicopter caught fire after crashing.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at Prairie St & Lurline Ave.
The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for further examination, and the NTSB says a final report could take a year or longer.
Three people were killed - NBC4 reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, pilot George Marciniw, 70, and Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, who was on the ground. A fourth person on the ground suffered minor injuries.
The helicopter took off from Whiteman Airport in Pacoima at 5:24 PM and flew about nine miles west to Chatsworth to cover a fatal crash between an SUV and a Metro bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. It circled the scene for about an hour and 24 minutes before going down at 6:55 PM.
Flight data shows the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and moving at roughly 6 knots during its last minute of flight. It then began a rapid descent while turning right. Security cameras on nearby buildings recorded the helicopter coming down at a high rate and striking a metal storage container, and a fire broke out immediately after impact.
The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the crash. Investigators say that during the final 29 seconds of the reporter's live video, the sound of the helicopter changed pitch and intermittent, then continuous, warning horns can be heard. Those horns are consistent with the helicopter's main rotor high rpm and low rotor rpm advisories. The report does not identify a cause.
A preliminary NTSB report is expected within about 30 days. A final report, including a probable cause, will follow after a months-long investigation.
NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar said cockpit video would likely be the most important piece of evidence, capturing engine speed changes and a warning signal before the crash.
The third victim, killed on the ground, has been identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the scene on Wednesday morning.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the federal investigation, with the FAA also participating. Investigators noted the helicopter's tail number could not be read due to the severity of the wreckage, though the aircraft is presumed to be a Eurocopter AS350 B2 built in 2004.
The victims aboard the helicopter were identified as pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, both Angel City Air employees who had flown together since 2023.
Firefighters are continuing to manage smoke still actively emanating from the crash scene.
Their condition was not provided.
EMS assessed a fourth injured person, who was taken to a nearby hospital.
LAFD has confirmed that two occupants of the helicopter have been pronounced dead, for a total of three people killed by the crash.
The NTSB has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that a person was pronounced dead at the scene, who was not aboard the helicopter.
The helicopter has been confirmed to be operated by KNBC.
Per BNO News, the aircraft was being operated by KNBC. This has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
The number of injuries is unclear.
Per KTLA, multiple news helicopters were operating in the area, covering an earlier fatal bus crash when the incident occurred.
Firefighters are attempting to put out multiple vehicles that caught fire from the burning helicopter.
Per KTLA, a helicopter caught fire after crashing.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at Prairie St & Lurline Ave.
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Comments30
George was my first flight instructor when I started flying. He was good guy. RIP George
Veteran Helicopter Pilot, George Marciniw. NBA Reporter, Eliana Moreno. May they and the others who perished Rest In Peace.
Guys stop joking. This is a tragic accident for families. Unbelievable. Some people are.
Never flying in helicopters 🚁 the Kobe special
George was my first flight instructor when I started flying. He was good guy. RIP George
Veteran Helicopter Pilot, George Marciniw. NBA Reporter, Eliana Moreno. May they and the others who perished Rest In Peace.
Guys stop joking. This is a tragic accident for families. Unbelievable. Some people are.
Never flying in helicopters 🚁 the Kobe special
George was my first flight instructor when I started flying. He was good guy. RIP George
Veteran Helicopter Pilot, George Marciniw. NBA Reporter, Eliana Moreno. May they and the others who perished Rest In Peace.
Guys stop joking. This is a tragic accident for families. Unbelievable. Some people are.
Never flying in helicopters 🚁 the Kobe special
George was my first flight instructor when I started flying. He was good guy. RIP George
Veteran Helicopter Pilot, George Marciniw. NBA Reporter, Eliana Moreno. May they and the others who perished Rest In Peace.
Guys stop joking. This is a tragic accident for families. Unbelievable. Some people are.
Never flying in helicopters 🚁 the Kobe special
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George was my first flight instructor when I started flying. He was good guy. RIP George
Veteran Helicopter Pilot, George Marciniw. NBA Reporter, Eliana Moreno. May they and the others who perished Rest In Peace.
Guys stop joking. This is a tragic accident for families. Unbelievable. Some people are.
Never flying in helicopters 🚁 the Kobe special