# Los Angeles news helicopter crash and fatal SUV collision > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-news-helicopter-crash > Updated: 2026-09-17T20:42:53.000Z. Sources: 314. Developments: 4. On September 15, 2026, a NewsChopper 4 helicopter, operated by Angel City Air for NBC4 and Telemundo 52, crashed in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Airbus AS 350 B2 was providing aerial coverage of a traffic accident involving a Metro bus and an SUV at the time of the incident. The crash resulted in at least three fatalities. Victims identified include 38-year-old veteran aerial journalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, while a third individual, identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, was killed on the ground. The impact occurred between two commercial buildings, triggering a fire that damaged four vehicles and two storage containers near the intersection of Lurline Avenue and Nordhoff Street. The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed over 56 firefighters to the scene. Two other individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Investigations into the cause of the crash are being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Lead investigator Fabian Salazar noted that cockpit video is a critical piece of evidence, as it reportedly captures sounds “consistent with engine speed changes and potential pilot warning alarms,” which may indicate engine failure. In a related development, authorities arrested Bailee Lynn Rios, the driver of the SUV involved in the initial traffic collision. Rios faces charges of second-degree murder, driving under the influence, and reckless driving. The initial collision involving Rios’s 2004 Ford Expedition resulted in the deaths of two Metro bus passengers, Gage Weida and Daniel Castillo, bringing the total death toll from the series of incidents to five. Following the tragedy, a community vigil was held at St. John Eudes Church to honor all victims. ## Claims - Bailee Lynn Rios faces charges of second-degree murder, driving under the influence, and reckless driving following the initial traffic collision. (disputed by 2 sources) - Bailee Lynn Rios has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder. (disputed) - The crew was providing aerial coverage of a collision between an SUV and a Metro bus at the time of the accident. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The helicopter crash resulted in three fatalities: reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a pedestrian on the ground. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The NTSB has opened an investigation into the crash of the Airbus AS 350 B2 helicopter. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The NewsChopper 4 helicopter was operated by Angel City Air for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The crash occurred between two commercial buildings in Chatsworth and triggered a fire that damaged four vehicles and two storage containers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Onboard video footage contains sounds consistent with the engine changing speed and potential pilot advisory tones. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rios was driving under the influence of drugs during the initial collision. (single source) - The initial SUV and bus collision killed two people, identified as Gage Weida and Daniel Castillo. (single source) - Rios is being held on $4.1 million bail. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: Chatsworth community holds vigil following fatal news helicopter crash A community vigil was held in Chatsworth as the NTSB investigates a fatal NewsChopper4 helicopter crash that killed three people, including a reporter and a pilot. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chatsworth-community-holds-vigil-following-fatal-news-helicopter-crash ### 2026-09-17: Los Angeles news helicopter crash kills three in Chatsworth A news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, killing reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a pedestrian while covering a traffic collision. The NTSB is investigating the cause. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-news-helicopter-crash-kills-three ### 2026-09-17: Los Angeles driver charged with murder after fatal crash and news helicopter accident A driver facing murder charges for a fatal SUV-bus collision in Los Angeles triggered a secondary tragedy when a news helicopter crashed while covering the scene, killing three people. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-driver-charged-with-murder-after-fatal-crash-and-news-helicopter-accident ### 2026-09-15: Los Angeles news helicopter crash kills three in Chatsworth A news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, killing journalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a pedestrian. The aircraft was covering a separate fatal traffic accident when it fell. 305 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chatsworth-two-dead-in-bus-crash-news-helicopter-crashes-nearby --- Cite as: Los Angeles news helicopter crash and fatal SUV collision. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-news-helicopter-crash