Three Dead After Local News Helicopter Crash

Three people died Tuesday after a local news helicopter went down while covering a Los Angeles bus crash. 

The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings while filming the response to a bus crash that killed two others. The aircraft, operated by Angel City Air, was providing coverage for NBC LA and Telemundo 52.

“This is a very, very, very tragic day in Los Angeles,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass during a press conference after the crash. “Our hearts are with those impacted by the bus collision, and the helicopter crash, and with the entire community who lost members of their team while they were doing their job.”

The crash occurred in the Chatsworth neighborhood, a suburb in northern Los Angeles. Multiple vehicles caught on fire in the crash after the helicopter burst into flames after it hit the ground. Two of the deceased victims were identified as Eliana Moreno, a broadcaster for Angel City Air, and pilot George Marciniw. Authorities say the third victim was likely a pedestrian on the ground caught in the crash. Two other people were taken to the hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known.

Angel City Air is a company that provides aerial coverage to news outlets throughout Los Angeles. 

Local Los Angeles reporter Jeff Vaughn posted a video from the crash in which an alert can be heard on board the helicopter. He noted the warning could mean a “low rotor warning” suggesting “potential engine failure.” 

Not much was left of the helicopter after the crash, said Fire Capt. Branden Silverman.

“From the helicopter itself, it’s pretty well destroyed,” he said. “So we are going to have to go through the rubble and see how many victims there were on board, as well as identify the helicopter; we couldn’t even see a tail.”

The crash will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, and investigators have not yet identified the cause of the crash.

“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,” said NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”