The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that an NBC local news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles at 18:57 local time on September 15, 2026, killing three people on board. The helicopter was covering a bus collision that had already resulted in two other deaths.
Fire Department Chief Rico A. Gross confirmed at an overnight press conference that three people died in the helicopter crash and two others were taken to hospital, though their condition has not been confirmed by local authorities. LAPD Public Information Officer Captain Brandon Silverman said at the scene that one of the deceased was a pedestrian in a parking lot.
The helicopter, identified as NewsChopper4 by the local station, was operated by Angel City Air, according to NBCLA. The victims aboard were identified as Angel City Air staff members Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. Aviation Safety Network identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Ecureuil, registered N358TV.
Both the NTSB and FAA released statements. The NTSB said it is investigating the Sept. 15 crash, and the FAA stated the crash occurred around 7 p.m. local time with two people on board. The FAA will investigate alongside the NTSB, which will lead the probe.
Unverified footage on social media showed an onboard voice saying 'You can't pull up,' as the aircraft lost altitude. A witness told NBCLA the helicopter came 'oddly, coming straight down,' but these observations have not been validated by the investigation.
The LAFD confirmed that the NTSB and FAA will investigate the incident. The Governor of California and the Mayor of Los Angeles both addressed the casualties and offered support to the victims' families.
