NTSB: Live Video Crucial Evidence in Deadly LA News Chopper Crash
Investigators are analyzing footage from the moments before the helicopter went down, killing a reporter, pilot, and a person on the ground.
Live video captured by a Los Angeles television news helicopter moments before it crashed is considered by investigators to be the most critical piece of evidence in determining the cause of the fatal incident. The crash on Tuesday evening killed NBC Los Angeles reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a person on the ground, identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia. A fourth individual sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital.
NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar stated Wednesday that the live feed from the helicopter provided a clear recording of the aircraft's final moments. The video shows the helicopter shaking, alarms sounding, and the descent before the feed was cut off. Salazar indicated that the audio from the recording is being sent for analysis to examine engine speed changes and pilot advisories.
The Eurocopter AS 350 B2 helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings in Chatsworth, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. Moreno and Marciniw were experienced colleagues, having logged many hours together, including covering the January 2025 wildfires.
At the time of the crash, the NBC Los Angeles helicopter was among several news aircraft in the vicinity. They were covering a separate fatal collision between a Metro bus and an SUV that had occurred approximately two hours earlier. That earlier incident resulted in two fatalities and several injuries, with the SUV driver, Bailee Lynn Rios, reportedly facing murder suspicion.
Investigators expect to release a preliminary report on the helicopter crash within 30 days, with a final report detailing the cause potentially taking up to 18 months. A vigil for Moreno and Marciniw is scheduled to be held in Chatsworth on Thursday evening.