A newly released video obtained by NBC Los Angeles shows the moments leading up to a helicopter crash in Chatsworth on September 15, 2026. The footage captures the aircraft as it hovered over an intersection to report on a collision between an SUV and a Los Angeles Metro bus, moments before it descended and struck the ground, killing the two‑person crew and a bystander.
The crew consisted of 38‑year‑old reporter Eliana Moreno and cameraman George Marciniw, both employees of NBC Los Angeles. The third victim was a pedestrian on the street below the aircraft. The incident occurred as the helicopter attempted to cover the road accident for live news coverage, positioning itself directly above the busy intersection.
According to the video, the helicopter maintained a stationary hover before beginning an uncontrolled descent. The camera, mounted on the aircraft, recorded the final approach and impact, providing a clear view of the vehicle’s trajectory and the surrounding environment. The recording has been handed to investigators, who say it may offer critical visual evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
Los Angeles Metro officials confirmed that the bus involved in the earlier collision was operating on its regular route at the time. The SUV and bus collision prompted the news helicopter to be on scene, but the exact sequence of events that led to the helicopter’s loss of control remains under investigation.
NBC Los Angeles released the video to the public in an effort to aid the ongoing inquiry. Authorities have not released a preliminary cause, but they indicated that the visual data could help clarify factors such as mechanical failure, pilot actions, or external influences.
The tragedy marks the loss of three lives and adds to a series of recent aviation accidents involving news helicopters in the region. The community awaits further details as investigators continue to review the footage and other evidence to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash.