Veteran Pilot Zoey Tur Assesses Deadly Chatsworth Helicopter Crash
Audio suggests engine failure preceded fatal incident, says veteran aerial reporter.
Veteran helicopter pilot and former news reporter Zoey Tur has offered a preliminary assessment of the deadly helicopter crash in Chatsworth, suggesting that audio recordings indicate an engine failure shortly before the aircraft went down. Tur, who gained recognition for her aerial coverage of Los Angeles breaking news, stated that the audio appeared to capture the activation of a low rotor RPM annunciator horn and the sound of the engine revving down.
"This was an engine failure, and slow response into entering an auto-rotation by PiC. No survivors," Tur posted on social media following the incident.
Tur, formerly known as Bob Tur, established a notable career in Los Angeles television news alongside her then-wife Marika Gerrard. Together, they utilized a helicopter to cover significant breaking news events, including the first live broadcast of a high-speed police pursuit, the 1992 Los Angeles riots, and the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase in 1994. Tur's career in journalism and aerial reporting earned her multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examining regulatory and licensing aspects. Officials have not yet released an official determination of the cause.
The helicopter crashed near the site of a separate L.A. Metro bus crash. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, three people were killed and one person was hospitalized. The helicopter ignited upon impact between two commercial buildings.