Three dead in LA helicopter crash

An NBC4 news helicopter crashed near Chatsworth on Tuesday evening near the scene of a deadly bus collision. Reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and bystander Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, were killed.

Video is most important evidence

The NTSB says footage recorded by the reporter during live coverage is the most critical evidence for determining what caused the crash. Investigators plan to obtain a pristine copy for sound spectrum analysis.

“The video that was actually taken while the reporter was doing live coverage, that video is probably the most important evidence that we have discovered so far.”

Engine sounds and alarms detected

The video clearly captures sounds consistent with the engine changing speed and warning tones that were likely advisories to the pilot. These details will be analyzed in the NTSB's lab.

Expert suspects engine power loss

Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti says the alarm sounds like a low rotor RPM warning, suggesting potential engine failure and dangerous loss of main rotor speed. The pilot may have attempted an emergency maneuver.

“It just has all the earmarks of a potential loss of engine power and a dangerous decrease in the main rotor speed.”

Limited time for emergency response

The helicopter was hovering at low altitude before the crash, leaving little opportunity for the pilot to perform an emergency maneuver to regain lift. The low altitude severely limited recovery options.

Investigation timeline outlined

The NTSB expects to complete a preliminary report in 30 days. The final report with probable cause could take up to 18 months, depending on the circumstances.

Multiple data sources being gathered

Investigators are collecting maintenance logbooks, weather data, and surveillance footage from nearby buildings. The helicopter will be moved to a secure facility for further examination of the wreckage.

News helicopter crashes are rare

While news helicopter operations are risky in major cities like Los Angeles, crashes are uncommon due to strict coordination and industry safety practices. At least eight fatal news helicopter crashes have occurred in the U.S. since 2000.

“It's a very unique form of flying. And the community is very good about lessons learned.”

NBC4's second aviation tragedy

This is the second major aviation incident in the station's history. In 1977, a KNBC helicopter crashed while returning from covering a wildfire, killing pilot Francis Gary Powers and a camera operator.

Francis Gary Powers connection

The 1977 pilot, Francis Gary Powers, was a former U.S. Air Force officer who had been captured after his U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. His story was later portrayed in the film Bridge of Spies.