Rotor warning tones recorded before fatal NBC Los Angeles helicopter crash – NTSB
A recording from the NBC Los Angeles helicopter that crashed and killed three people last month captured sounds consistent with rotor-speed warnings during its final 29 seconds, according to a preliminary report by the NTSB. The aircraft then descended rapidly while turning right.
The Airbus AS350B2, operated by Angel City Air, crashed at about 6:55 p.m. on September 15 in Chatsworth, a neighborhood in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. It was gathering footage of a deadly collision between an SUV and a bus.
The helicopter departed Whiteman Airport at about 5:24 p.m. and spent approximately an hour and 24 minutes maneuvering near the traffic crash, according to the preliminary report.
During its final minute, the helicopter was about 800 feet above the ground and slowed to a ground speed of six knots, or about 7 mph.
A four-minute, 21-second recording made by the onboard reporter captured noise from the engine and main rotor. NTSB investigators said those sounds were consistent with normal operations through most of the recording.
During the final 29 seconds, the noise changed frequency and intermittent and continuous horns sounded. The NTSB said these were consistent with warnings for high main-rotor speed, low rotor speed and other audible advisories.
Tracking data then showed the helicopter entering a rapid descent while turning right. The final recorded position placed it directly above the crash site with a ground speed of 38 knots, or about 44 mph.
Security cameras on nearby buildings recorded the helicopter descending rapidly and striking a metal storage container. A fire broke out shortly afterward.
The wreckage was found partially on its right side beside the container, with debris scattered within about 30 feet. All major components remained attached to the fuselage or within that small debris field. Much of the fuselage was reduced to ash and fire-damaged metal.
Pilot George Marciniw and reporter Eliana Moreno, who were covering the traffic crash for NBC LA and Telemundo 52, were killed aboard the helicopter. A person killed on the ground was identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
The preliminary report also lists one person on the ground with minor injuries. The NTSB has not determined the cause of the crash.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
