Audio evidence key as NTSB probes fatal Chatsworth news helicopter crash
NTSB, FAA investigating Chatsworth helicopter crash
Federal authorities provided an update as they begin their investigation in the helicopter crash that left three dead, including NBCLA aerial reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw.
LOS ANGELES - Five people were killed, and several others hospitalized following two separate incidents occurring within blocks of each other in Chatsworth, prompting an extensive local and federal investigation.
What we know:
Los Angeles first responders were initially called to a collision at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15.
According to LA Metro officials, an eastbound Metro Line 166 bus was struck by an SUV traveling southbound on De Soto Avenue.
Two people died at the scene, and six others were hospitalized, including the SUV driver, 36-year-old Bailee Rios, who was later arrested and booked on $2 million bail on murder charges for allegedly causing the fatal impact.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Chatsworth helicopter crash: 3 killed, including NBCLA pilot and aerial reporter
- Woman arrested in Chatsworth bus crash that left 2 dead, 6 injured
Simi Valley woman faces murder charge in deadly bus crash
Officials identified the suspect of a deadly bus crash in Chatsworth as 36-year-old Bailee Rios. Two people were killed and six others were injured.
Roughly two hours later, while emergency teams investigated the bus crash and local media covered the scene, an NBCLA news helicopter crashed about a block away near North Mason Avenue.
The impact claimed three lives: pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno aboard the aircraft, and 29-year-old pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia on the ground.
NBCLA officials lost contact with their air crew around 7 p.m. and confirmed the loss live on air by just before 8 p.m.
The aircraft, a Eurocopter AS 350 B2 helicopter, suffered substantial damage, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
SkyFOX's Stu Mundel remembers NBCLA helicopter pilot, aerial reporter killed in crash
Three people were killed after an NBCLA news helicopter crashed and caught fire in Chatsworth on Tuesday. The victims on board were identified as pilot George Marciniw and reporter Eliana Moreno, who provided aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. A pedestrian on the ground was also killed in the incident. The crash occurred near Mason Avenue and Nordhoff Street, just a block away from where crews were already responding to a separate deadly Metro bus collision earlier that evening. Fellow news reporters, including SkyFOX’s Stu Mundel, shared emotional reactions on air as news of the tragedy broke. The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Senior Air Safety Investigator Fabian Salazar with the NTSB confirmed that live coverage footage recorded as the helicopter went down is currently the primary piece of evidence.
The NTSB is sending the recording to a lab to study its audio, which clearly captures changes in engine speed and warning alarms, Salazar said.
"That video is probably the most important evidence that we have discovered so far. In that recording, we are clearly hearing sounds that are consistent with the engine changing its speed, and we're also hearing tones that are being generated that are likely advisories to the pilot," he added.
Salazar also addressed safety regulations.
"If we discover a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, they're right there discovering it with us in real time. Now, if the NTSB chooses to make a safety suggestion for small change or a safety recommendation for big change, we will take that recommendation to the most appropriate authority."
What we don't know:
Federal officials have not determined the cause of the helicopter crash and noted that no flight data recorder has been located on board, though coordination with the aircraft owner remains ongoing.
Investigators are actively gathering evidence to establish whether the helicopter was in an out-of-ground-effect hover at the time of the incident, requiring further security footage and eyewitness accounts to calculate the precise altitude.
It's unknown what specific mechanical or operational emergency prompted the sudden loss of control.
Community shaken by news helicopter crash
The Los Angeles local news community is left shaken after the NBCLA helicopter crashed while covering a nearby bus crash in Chatsworth.
What they're saying:
NBCLA released an official statement reading, "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. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives."
"I’m absolutely devastated by the loss of life in Chatsworth tonight. My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash," said LA Mayor Karen Bass. I’m grateful to the City teams who responded so quickly. Please stay clear of the area as public safety officials remain on scene."
Officials offer sympathy for NBCLA chopper crash victims
In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in part, "Our hearts are with the victims and families of the devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and with the entire NBC4 family."
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by today’s tragic helicopter crash involving members of the NBC4 family. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this devastating loss, especially the families, friends, and colleagues of those who lost their lives. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire NBC4 community during this incredibly difficult time," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
LA Metro also released a statement saying, "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,"
What's next:
The NTSB and FAA, alongside technical representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturers, are completing field examinations before removing the helicopter to a secure facility. Major components may be shipped directly to manufacturer facilities for teardown examinations to analyze damaged parts, the NTSB said.
Investigators are gathering pilot training records, maintenance logbooks provided by the owner, and security video from nearby businesses to construct the flight path.
A preliminary report will be published in about 30 days, while a final report determining probable cause may take up to 18 months, the NTSB said.
Members of the public with information or video footage are urged to email witness@ntsb.gov.
Meanwhile, the LAPD continues to lead the criminal investigation into the bus collision.
The Source: This report is compiled directly from official statements released by LA Metro, emergency response updates from the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department, and official statements from NBCLA. Additional information was provided by NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator Fabian Salazar in Chatsworth.