NBC News Helicopter Crash: 3 Dead in Los Angeles

An NBC News helicopter crashed in Los Angeles on Tuesday while covering a fatal bus accident, killing at least three people — pilot George Marciniw, veteran aerial reporter Eliana Moreno and a pedestrian on the ground. The aircraft, known as NewsChopper4 and operated by Angel City Air for NBC4/KNBC-TV and Telemundo 52, went down in the Chatsworth neighborhood shortly before 7 p.m. local time, according to the Los Angeles Times and NOS.

The crew had been dispatched to cover a separate collision between an SUV and an L.A. Metro bus that killed at least two people and injured six others. During the NBC broadcast, an anchor said the station had lost contact with the helicopter team, and later confirmed the aircraft had crashed. “We need a moment to process this,” she said before the live broadcast ended.

What happened in Chatsworth?

The helicopter was filming the aftermath of the bus crash when it began to lose altitude. A witness described the aircraft as “swaying” before it gradually descended into a storage business parking lot. On-board audio captured a low rotor RPM warning horn as the engine slowed, and Moreno could be heard saying “Uh, oh” and then “Pull. You can’t pull up?” before the feed cut out.

The crash sparked a fire that burned four cars and two storage containers. More than 70 firefighters responded to the scene. The incident contributed to a devastating day in Chatsworth, where five people died overall — two in the bus crash and three in the helicopter crash.

This accident echoes previous fatal news helicopter crashes in US cities, including the 2007 Phoenix collision that killed four journalists.

Who were the victims?

Authorities identified the two people aboard the helicopter as pilot George Marciniw, who had logged more than 14,000 flight hours, and Eliana Moreno, an experienced aerial reporter. A third victim was outside in a parking lot when the aircraft came down. Two other people were taken to hospital, according to initial reports.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she was heartbroken over the loss. “My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those we lost,” Bass wrote on X, adding that the city was mourning “losing five Angelenos” in the two incidents. The mayor traveled to the crash site to meet with first responders.

Investigation and cause

The cause of the crash remains unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have opened an investigation, and NTSB officials arrived in Chatsworth on Wednesday morning to begin their on-site work. Early video suggests the helicopter lost power, and veteran pilot Zoey Tur has said engine failure is a possible explanation. The aviation safety protocols for news crews will likely be reviewed as part of the probe.

According to industry data, there have been at least eight fatal U.S. news helicopter crashes since 2000, killing 16 people. This latest incident renews debate about the risks journalists take while covering breaking news from the air.

How the bus accident unfolded

The original bus collision involved an SUV that rammed the side of a Metro bus in Chatsworth. At least two people died and six were injured. The Los Angeles Police Department arrested the SUV driver on suspicion of murder, according to local reports. The double tragedy — a deadly bus crash followed by the helicopter crash covering it — has shaken the local community and highlighted the dangers of both road and air traffic in the area.

The response from Los Angeles emergency services was immediate, with paramedics, firefighters and police coordinating a multi-agency operation at both scenes.

FAQ

What caused the NBC News helicopter crash?

The cause is still under investigation by the NTSB and FAA. Video shows the helicopter losing altitude and a low rotor RPM warning, but no official cause has been determined.

Who died in the NBC News helicopter crash?

Pilot George Marciniw, aerial reporter Eliana Moreno and a pedestrian on the ground were killed. Two other people were injured.

How many people died in the Chatsworth bus crash?

At least two people died and six were injured when an SUV rammed a Metro bus. The driver was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Who is investigating the helicopter crash?

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are leading the investigation.

How common are fatal news helicopter crashes in the US?

Since 2000, there have been at least eight fatal U.S. news helicopter crashes, killing 16 people, according to industry records.