NTSB preliminary report details final seconds of NBC helicopter crash
A preliminary NTSB report says audio and flight data captured a rapid right-hand descent in the last 29 seconds before an NBC news helicopter crashed in the Los Angeles area, killing those on board and a person on the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on the fatal crash of an NBC news helicopter, focusing on the last 29 seconds of the flight.
The Airbus AS-350 B2 departed Whiteman Airport in Los Angeles on October 15, 2026, according to the report, and flew to Chatsworth to gather video of a recent fatal traffic accident. Reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were on board. The helicopter maneuvered near the traffic accident for roughly one hour and 24 minutes.
In the final minute, the report states, the helicopter was at about 1,700 feet above mean sea level, or about 800 feet above ground level, and had slowed to roughly 6 knots of ground speed.
A video recording of the traffic accident lasting four minutes and 21 seconds captured the moments before the crash. For most of that recording, the report says, ambient helicopter noise was consistent with normal operations.
That changed in the closing seconds. The NTSB said the recording captured the helicopter noise changing frequency, along with intermittent and continuous horns consistent with main rotor high rpm, low rotor rpm and other aural advisories.
ADS-B data showed the helicopter began a rapid descent while turning right, according to the report. The last data point recorded a high rate of descent at about 38 knots of ground speed, directly above the accident site.
The helicopter struck a metal storage container and came to rest partly on its right side, after which a fire broke out. A third person on the ground died of injuries sustained in the crash.
Sources
- aerotime.aeroNTSB report focuses on final 29 seconds before fatal NBC helicopter crash