This report is compiled from the cited public sources and updated when verified information becomes available.
Developing report: A news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, on Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. The cause has not been determined.
Original NBC4 coverage and confirmed early details. View source
Why original live-coverage video may help investigators. Watch source
Original NBC4 witness video page. Watch source
Video supplied through Facebook. Watch the original reel on Facebook
Media previews and video links are provided by NBC Los Angeles, the original publisher. Dubois Aviation does not re-host this footage.
What happened
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that an aircraft went down at approximately 6:57 p.m. near the 9100 block of North Mason Avenue, between two commercial buildings. Firefighters reported an active fire, which was extinguished without the surrounding structures being damaged. Four automobiles and two storage containers were damaged.
LAFD reported that four patients were assessed at the scene. Three people were pronounced deceased, and one person was transported to a hospital in unknown condition. NBC4 identified the aircraft as NewsChopper4, operated by Angel City Air, and reported that it was providing aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52.
Original video coverage
NBC4 has published continuing video coverage and reported that live-coverage video may be important evidence in the investigation. The original publisher’s coverage is available here:
Watch the original NBC4 coverage and NTSB update
We are linking to the original publisher instead of copying or re-hosting the footage. Coverage may be updated as investigators release more information.
Investigation status
The NTSB and FAA are leading the investigation. NBC4 reported that investigators are asking witnesses with photographs or video to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov. A preliminary report is expected within approximately 30 days, while the final investigation will take longer. No probable cause should be inferred from early reports.
Why early reports can change
Initial accident reports are assembled while emergency response and identification work are still underway. Aircraft identification, occupant information, injuries, and the sequence of events may be revised as investigators examine the wreckage, witness accounts, video, maintenance records, and other evidence.
Sources
- Los Angeles Fire Department: Fatal Helicopter Crash in Chatsworth
- NBC Los Angeles: NewsChopper4 crash report
- NBC Los Angeles: NTSB video-evidence update
This article is based on information available September 16, 2026, and will be updated when official investigators release additional verified facts.
