NBC Helicopter Plunges to Ground in Los Angeles, Killing Reporter and Pilot

An NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed Tuesday evening, killing reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, and pilot George Marciniw, 70. The helicopter, known as NewsChopper4, was en route to cover a fatal bus crash when it plummeted to the ground near the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue.

Surveillance footage from a nearby building captured the moment the Eurocopter AS350B2 tumbled and fell to the ground in a warehouse district. The impact ignited a fire that destroyed nearby vehicles and two storage containers.

Authorities have stated that onboard video footage recorded by Moreno is a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. The video reportedly shows the helicopter preparing to cover the bus collision when the sound of the engine's motor diminishes, and advisory tones are heard, possibly indicating a drop in main rotor speed. Moreno can be heard expressing concern, asking the pilot if he can't pull up.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are meticulously reviewing this footage, along with data from the wreckage site, maintenance logs, weather conditions, and additional surveillance footage from the crash area.

A Guatemalan tourist, Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, was also killed on the ground by the falling aircraft.

Moreno's family released a statement describing her lifelong dream of becoming a reporter, which she pursued with hard work and courage. "We find comfort in knowing that Eliana left this world doing the very thing she loved, pursuing the passion she carried with her since she was a little girl," the statement read. They expressed gratitude for public support and asked for prayers for Eliana, George, Edy, and the victims of the bus collision.

An NTSB preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report detailing the probable cause could take up to 18 months.