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Rotor warning tones recorded before fatal NBC Los Angeles helicopter crash, NTSB finds

Preliminary report details final 29 seconds of flight that killed three in Chatsworth

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report finding that rotor-speed warning tones sounded in the final 29 seconds before an NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth on September 15, killing a pilot, a reporter and a person on the ground. The Airbus AS350B2, operated by Angel City Air, was covering a fatal traffic collision when it entered a rapid right turn and descended into a metal storage container.

The NTSB's preliminary report, released Tuesday, analyzed a four-minute, 21-second on-board recording that captured engine and rotor noise. Investigators said the sounds were consistent with normal operations for most of the recording, but during the final 29 seconds the noise changed frequency and intermittent and continuous horns were heard. The NTSB said these were consistent with warnings for high main-rotor speed, low rotor speed and other audible advisories.

Tracking data showed the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and slowed to a ground speed of six knots (about 7 mph) during its final minute. It then descended rapidly while turning right. The final recorded position placed the aircraft directly above the crash site with a ground speed of 38 knots (about 44 mph). Security cameras recorded the helicopter striking a metal storage container, after which a fire broke out. The fuselage was largely reduced to ash and fire-damaged metal; debris was scattered within about 30 feet.

Killed in the crash were pilot George Marciniw and reporter Eliana Moreno, who were covering a deadly collision between an SUV and a bus for NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52. A person on the ground, 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, also died. One other person on the ground sustained minor injuries. The helicopter had departed Whiteman Airport at about 5:24 p.m. and spent approximately an hour and 24 minutes maneuvering near the traffic crash before the 6:55 p.m. accident. The NTSB has not determined the cause of the crash.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The crash killed three people, including a journalist and a pilot, during a routine news-gathering flight, raising questions about safety protocols for low-altitude aerial coverage.
  • The NTSB's identification of rotor-speed warnings points to potential mechanical or operational factors that could influence aviation safety recommendations.
  • The investigation will inform future operations for news helicopters, which often fly at low speeds and altitudes while covering breaking news.

Background

The September 15 crash occurred in Chatsworth, a neighborhood in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. The Airbus AS350B2 helicopter was operated by Angel City Air and was assigned to cover a traffic collision involving an SUV and a bus for NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52. The flight lasted about 84 minutes, with much of that time spent maneuvering near the scene. The preliminary report is the first official document detailing the sequence of events leading to the crash, but the NTSB has not yet determined a probable cause.

Key Perspectives

NTSB investigators: The agency is conducting a thorough investigation, including analysis of the onboard recording, tracking data, security camera footage, and wreckage. The identification of audible warnings is a key data point. Aviation safety advocates: The presence of rotor-speed warnings during low-speed, low-altitude flight may highlight risks inherent in aerial news coverage, where pilots must balance maneuverability with safety margins. Families of the victims: They await the final NTSB report for answers about what caused the helicopter to lose control, especially given that the pilot and reporter were killed while performing routine work.

What to Watch

  • The NTSB's final report, which may include a probable cause determination and safety recommendations.
  • Any potential mechanical or maintenance issues identified in the wreckage examination.
  • Possible litigation or regulatory action regarding news helicopter operations in urban areas.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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