CHATSWORTH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The video from aboard the NBC4 helicopter before the deadly crash in Chatsworth will be the “most important evidence” for the National Transportation Safety Board to analyze in order to piece together the probable cause of the accident, the agency said.
“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,” said Fabian Salazar, NTSB Investigator in Charge, at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.
Salazar said the NTSB will work toward obtaining a “pristine copy” of that recording and send it to the agency’s lab for a sound spectrum analysis.
“In that recording, we are clearly hearing sounds that are consistent with the engine changing its speed, and we’re also hearing tones that are being generated that are likely advisories to the pilot, so it’s important that we get that recording to our lab, so that they can be downloaded and we can get to that factual evidence that way,” he said.
Salazar said the NTSB’s plan of action is to gather as much data from the wreckage scene as possible and conduct witness interviews. He urged the public to reach out to the agency if they have any relevant information about the incident. The email provided was witness@ntsb.gov.
He added that after that portion of the investigation is concluded, the helicopter will be removed to a secure facility so the agency can continue its examination to try and pull any additional data from the wreckage. The helicopter’s maintenance logbooks and the weather will also be part of the investigation, he added.
Investigators will also work to obtain surveillance footage from buildings near the crash scene as part of their data collection, aiming to get a full picture of the sequence of events.
Salazar also sketched out an approximate timeline of the investigation process, saying the preliminary report is expected to be completed in 30 days. The final report with probable cause, which can differ depending on the circumstances of the incident, may take up to 18 months, Salazar said.
The third person who was killed in an NBC4 news helicopter crash in Chatsworth, which also killed a reporter and pilot, has been identified.
The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings on Mason Avenue around 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The crash occurred near the scene of a deadly traffic collision where an SUV slammed into the side of a Metro bus, killing two people just a short time before the helicopter crash.
NBC4 L.A. later confirmed that the aircraft that crashed was the station’s helicopter, and that 38-year-old helicopter reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw of Burbank died as a result.
An LAFD spokesperson said a third person who was on the ground also died. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified that victim as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
Photos show all three victims killed in the Chatsworth NBC4 helicopter crash. From left to right: helicopter reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw and Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
In addition to the three people who died at the scene, one person nearby was taken to the hospital after suffering an apparent panic attack, and another person was also hospitalized in unknown condition.
Firefighters said the helicopter was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. A thick plume of black smoke rose into the air.
Three people were killed after an NBC4 news helicopter crashed near the scene of a deadly bus collision in Chatsworth.
The fire department said four vehicles and two storage containers were damaged by the fire. The fire was quickly put out.
Eyewitness News spoke to a couple who noticed trouble with the NBC4 helicopter in the sky just before the crash.
“He made a comment of, ‘Why is that air, I don’t want to say, swaying, the helicopter?” the woman recalled. “In the direction we were going, we saw an immense cloud of smoke.”
Officials provide update after NBC4 helicopter crashes, killing 3
Three people were killed after an NBC4 news helicopter crashed near the scene of a deadly bus collision in Chatsworth.
“This is a heartbreaking night for our city, and my thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the families and loved ones that we lost today,” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference late Tuesday. “Our hearts are with those impacted by the bus collision and the helicopter crash, and with the entire community who lost members of their team while they were doing their job.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom thanked first responders for “working tirelessly tonight.”
“Our hearts are with the victims and families of tonight’s devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and with the entire NBC4 family,” Newsom said.
“It’s fairly clear to me — even though I hate to speculate — that we’ve got a mechanical failure here,” said John Nance, an ABC News aviation analyst. “You can hear something winding down in the background, and the chopper begins to start shaking.”
On Wednesday morning, the LAPD released a statement expressing sympathies.
“On behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of every individual who lost their life during these tragic incidents,” the statement read, in part. “The LAPD recognizes and values the vital role our media partners play in serving our community. Their commitment to informing the public — often in challenging and unpredictable circumstances — is essential to public safety. We honor their dedication and the sacrifices made in that service.”
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