L.A. news helicopter crash prompts safety review among local broadcasters
The fatal crash of an NBC4 news helicopter in Chatsworth has sparked industry-wide reflection on aerial reporting practices and safety protocols.
A news helicopter operated by Angel City Air for NBC4 crashed Tuesday in Chatsworth while covering a breaking story, killing reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw and a bystander on the ground. The incident is the deadliest L.A. news-chopper accident since a 2000 Fox 11 crash and adds to eight fatal news-helicopter crashes recorded by the National Transportation Safety Board since 2000.
Pilots said the Los Angeles airspace is often crowded as stations compete to be first on scene, creating a chaotic environment that requires close coordination. Veteran helicopter pilot and former KTLA reporter Tim Lynn described the loss as “crushed us all” and noted that Moreno was deeply committed to her work.
Former pilots highlighted the competitive pressure to linger over incidents, with Kurt Deetz remarking, “It’s very competitive, and at what cost?” and expressing regret over the practice of prolonged low-altitude hovering, which he called “dangerous.”
Industry insiders said pilots follow informal rules to maintain safe spacing during pursuits and to halt hovering when a suspect circles a residential area, reducing the risk of collision. They typically operate at 1,200-1,500 feet to stay above police helicopters while preserving altitude for emergency autorotation if an engine fails.
The crash involved an AS350 B2 model, a common platform for news and police helicopters. The NTSB is conducting an investigation, with a preliminary report expected in the coming days and a full report due within 18 months.