Journalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were among three people killed Tuesday when the helicopter they were in crashed as they provided coverage for NBCLA and Telemundo 52 in the Los Angeles community of Chatsworth.
Moreno and Marciniw frequently worked together, particularly in the evening, providing the latest information to residents in Southern California from NewsChopper, owned and operated by Angel City Air.
Often referred as “the eyes and ears in the sky” for the two newsrooms, viewers also got to know the duo through their coverage. Moreno and Marciniw logged hundreds of hours together in the sky since flying together since 2023. From the devastating wildfires that burned in January of 2025 to countless police pursuits, Moreno and Marciniw worked diligently to deliver urgent information on pressing matters to Southern California.
Moreno hailed from Orange County and earned a degree in broadcast journalism and political science from Chapman University. She is survived by her fiancé.
Known as “Eli in the heli” on Instagram, Moreno was the voice in the sky for NBCLA and Telemundo 52, providing coverage of Los Angeles pursuits, wildfires, other breaking news and “beauty shots” of the dramatic Southern California landscape.
Marciniw also grew up in Southern California, graduating from Burbank High School in 1974. In addition to piloting, Marciniw was a flight instructor for aspiring pilots.
Marciniw is believed to have had more than 30 years of flight experience. He frequently referenced Moreno in his social media posts, which included scenic images of Los Angeles from high above.
NBC4 anchor and reporter Jonathan Gonzalez, who grew up watching NewsChopper4 from Burbank, shares personal stories with late aerial reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. Jonathan Gonzalez reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.
Esteban Jimenez, a fellow helicopter pilot, was at the scene of the crash and expressed grief over the loss of his longtime friend who he said was nearing retirement.
“I knew him since the 90s. He was my instructor at one time, he was my eyes and ears here in L.A. He let me know what was going on with everything. I just spoke to him on Sunday we were talking about the aviation business and retiring,” Jimenez said. “I just cannot believe this.”
In response to the tragedy, NBCLA and Telemundo 52 released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened to share that a helicopter providing aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was involved in a fatal accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening,” NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”
Moreno and Marciniw were hovering near the site of a fatal crash involving a Metro bus to cover the story when the chopper they were in plummeted to the ground. It’s unclear what caused the crash.
One person was killed on the ground. Authorities have not identified the third victim.
The NewsChopper4 helicopter is owned and operated by Angel City Air, which describes itself as “a full-service aerial production company.” Angel City Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A woman who witnessed the helicopter crash in Chatsworth recounts what she and her husband saw before tragedy occurred. Darsha Philips reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.