Fatal News Helicopter Crash on Mason Avenue in Chatsworth
CHATSWORTH, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2026) — Three people are confirmed dead Tuesday after a NewsChopper4 helicopter crashed at 9151 North Mason Avenue in Chatsworth, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified one person killed on the ground as Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29.
Two people in the Eurocopter AS 350 B2 helicopter who died were identified as reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. The pilot and reporter were both employees of Angel City Air and were providing news coverage for NBC4 and its Spanish-language sister station, Telemundo 52.
The deadly collision occurred around 6:57 p.m. on Sept. 15th, according to the LAFD report. It’s unknown at this time how many were aboard the helicopter, but it appears there were no survivors. It’s unknown at this time what led up to the collision. The helicopter and several other vehicles on the ground were fully engulfed in fire upon the arrival of firefighters, an LAFD spokesperson said.
The news helicopter was in the area covering a deadly MTA Bus crash involving an SUV when it went down between two commercial buildings, the report said.
Firefighters responded to help those involved and confirmed the death of one person who was on the ground. Later, they confirmed the death of the pilot and reporter who were in the helicopter.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators say it could take up to 18 months to complete and release their probe into what happened.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
