3 Dead After NBC Los Angeles News Helicopter Crashes While Covering Fatal Bus Collision
Los Angeles, California — September 16, 2026: A tragic news helicopter crash in Los Angeles has left three people dead after an aircraft covering a fatal bus collision crashed in the Chatsworth area.
The helicopter was providing aerial coverage of an earlier deadly Metro bus collision when it went down Tuesday evening. According to Reuters, the victims included NBC4 aerial journalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and one person on the ground.
Helicopter Crashed During Breaking News Coverage
The aircraft was being used for aerial reporting by NBC4 and Telemundo 52 when the crash occurred. Emergency crews responded quickly after the helicopter went down and a fire broke out at the crash site.
More than 70 firefighters responded to the incident, according to Reuters. Two other people were hospitalized following the crash.
The helicopter crash happened while crews were already responding to another serious accident in the Chatsworth area. Earlier in the day, a Metro bus collision had resulted in at least two deaths.
NBC Journalist Eliana Moreno Among Those Killed
NBC4 aerial journalist Eliana Moreno was among the victims. Moreno had spent years covering breaking news from the air across Southern California.
Pilot George Marciniw, who worked for helicopter operator Angel City Air, was also killed in the crash. Another person on the ground died after the helicopter came down.
News colleagues expressed grief following the incident, with NBC4 announcing the tragedy during a live broadcast.
Cause of Crash Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the helicopter to crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
Officials are expected to examine the helicopter, flight data, weather conditions and other evidence as investigators work to determine what happened before the aircraft went down.
At this time, no definitive cause of the crash has been publicly established.
A Tragic Day for Los Angeles
The helicopter crash came just hours after a fatal bus collision in the same general area, making the incident particularly devastating for local residents, emergency responders and the journalism community.
California officials and local leaders offered condolences to the families and colleagues of those who died.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Key Facts
- Location: Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California
- Date: September 15, 2026
- Deaths: 3
- Aircraft: News helicopter
- News organizations: NBC4 and Telemundo 52
- Known victims: Journalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw and one person on the ground
- Investigation: Ongoing
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