Mason Avenue near Nordhoff Street: a news helicopter covering a fatal bus crash went down between two commercial buildings
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 15, 2026): Three people were killed and two others were injured Tuesday evening when a news helicopter crashed in the 9100 block of North Mason Avenue in Chatsworth while covering a deadly SUV and Metro bus collision a few blocks away, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The crash was reported just before 7 p.m.
NBC Los Angeles confirmed the aircraft was NewsChopper4, owned and operated by Angel City Air and providing aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. Reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, and pilot George Marciniw, both Angel City Air employees, died on board. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the third victim, who was on the ground, as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia. LAFD Battalion Chief Rico Gross said two people on the ground were taken to the hospital.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. At a briefing reported by City News Service and the San Fernando Valley Sun, NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar said cockpit video from the Airbus AS350 B2 captured sounds consistent with changes in engine speed and warning tones, and that the recording would be sent to the agency’s lab for analysis. Salazar said the helicopter was not believed to have a flight data recorder.
Investigators will also review maintenance records, weather and pilot training, according to the NTSB. A preliminary report is expected in about 30 days, and a final report with probable cause could take up to about 18 months. The NTSB asked anyone with video or information to contact witness@ntsb.gov. Police said the fire that followed the crash damaged four vehicles and two storage containers.
Liability for Los Angeles Helicopter Crashes
Aviation accidents are investigated by federal authorities, but the rights of the people harmed are largely governed by state law. California Civil Code § 1714 makes every person and company responsible for injuries caused by a lack of ordinary care, including in the operation and maintenance of aircraft. When a defective part or design contributes to a crash, manufacturers and suppliers can face product liability claims. For workers killed on the job, the California workers’ compensation system provides death benefits under Labor Code § 4702, while claims against outside companies, such as a manufacturer or maintenance provider, may proceed separately.
- Engine and mechanical systems: The NTSB said the cockpit recording captured apparent engine speed changes. Engine, fuel and component records are central in helicopter crash investigations.
- Maintenance history: Investigators said they will review maintenance logbooks. Missed inspections or improper repairs can shift responsibility to a maintenance provider.
- People on the ground: A person on the ground has no role in how an aircraft is flown or maintained. Claims for ground victims focus on the operator and any other responsible parties.
- Work-related deaths: The crew members were working when they died. Workers’ compensation death benefits and any third-party claims can exist side by side.
Federal law limits how an NTSB final report can be used as evidence in civil litigation, so families and their representatives often need their own independent investigation of the wreckage, records and witnesses.
Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Helicopter Crash
Aviation investigations take many months, and important evidence can be moved to secure facilities soon after a crash.
- Follow the NTSB docket: The preliminary report and later public docket contain factual information about the aircraft, crew and maintenance.
- Preserve video and photos: Surveillance cameras on Mason Avenue and nearby businesses may have recorded the aircraft’s descent.
- Report work-related deaths: Families of workers should confirm that a workers’ compensation death claim has been opened with the employer’s insurer.
- Keep medical and property records: People injured on the ground or whose vehicles and property were damaged should document every loss.
A California wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Workers’ compensation death benefit claims have their own deadlines under the Labor Code. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating Los Angeles Helicopter Crashes
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Eliana Moreno, George Marciniw and Edy Gutierrez Mejia. What will the laboratory analysis of the cockpit recording reveal about the engine in the final moments of the flight? What do the maintenance records for this Airbus AS350 B2 show?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation, car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on September 22, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 15, 2026.
