Airbus Helicopters Responds to Fatal LA Crash Involving NBC News Aircraft
The manufacturer of the Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Ecureuil confirmed it is cooperating with federal investigators following the Sept. 15 incident.
Airbus Helicopters, the manufacturer of the Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Ecureuil involved in a fatal crash in Los Angeles on September 15, has issued a statement confirming its cooperation with federal authorities.
"Airbus Helicopters confirms that an AS350 operated by Welk Aviation was involved in an accident on Sept. 15, in Chatsworth, California, while covering news for local television stations," the company stated. "We offer our condolences to the families of those who died and to everyone impacted by this accident. Airbus Helicopters is assisting in the NTSB’s investigation."
The incident occurred while the helicopter was covering a car crash. Three people aboard the aircraft died.
Airbus Helicopters noted that there are over 4,800 AS350/H125 helicopters currently in service worldwide, with approximately 40 million flight hours accumulated. The company declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.