From California Post · · 1m 20s
Veteran pilot suspects engine failure in deadly LA crash
Zoey Tur analyzes audio from the Chatsworth helicopter crash and points to engine failure as the likely cause.
In brief
Zoey Tur analyzes audio from the Chatsworth helicopter crash and points to engine failure as the likely cause. A respected helicopter pilot's preliminary analysis of crash audio suggests engine failure and delayed pilot response, though federal investigators are still determining the official cause. Originally…
Veteran pilot analyzes crash audio
Zoey Tur, a legendary Los Angeles helicopter news pilot, reviewed audio from the Chatsworth crash and identified signs of engine failure before the aircraft went down.
Engine failure and delayed response
Tur heard the low rotor RPM alarm and engine rev down in the audio, indicating engine failure and a slow response from the pilot in entering autorotation.
“If you listen, you could hear the low rotor RPM annunciator horn going off. You could also hear the engine rev down.”
Three killed in Chatsworth crash
The helicopter went down between two commercial buildings on September 16, 2026, killing three people and hospitalizing one. The aircraft caught fire immediately upon impact.
Tur's legendary news career
Tur made history covering Los Angeles breaking news from the air, capturing the first live police pursuit broadcast, the 1992 Reginald Denny beating, and O.J. Simpson's 1994 Bronco chase.
Federal investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash, while the Federal Aviation Administration will examine regulatory and licensing issues. Officials have not yet determined the official cause.
The one thing
A respected helicopter pilot's preliminary analysis of crash audio suggests engine failure and delayed pilot response, though federal investigators are still determining the official cause.
