A helicopter that was in service with NBC's Channel 4 crashed tonight (September 16, 2026) in a neighborhood in the northwest of the city.
According to the news network that confirmed the details, the helicopter belonged to the network and was engaged in journalistic activities covering a horrific bus crash when contact with the crew was lost.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), 56 firefighters responded to the helicopter crash in Chatsworth. Fire crews extinguished the fire completely, with no nearby structures exposed.
Four patients were assessed at the scene, three of whom were pronounced dead. The fourth was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition. Four vehicles and two storage containers were damaged in the fire. The NTSB and FAA will handle the investigation.
LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a public statement, calling it a "heartbreaking night for Los Angeles."
"My thoughts are with those impacted by the helicopter crash, and with the entire NBC4 family who lost members of their team while they were doing their jobs."
"I’m deeply grateful to our firefighters, paramedics, and police officers who responded immediately to two incredibly difficult scenes to save lives and render aid. The NTSB will be leading the investigation. Right now, our focus is on the victims, their families and loved ones, and supporting everyone impacted by these tragedies."
