Airbus breaks silence after NBC4 helicopter crash as investigators examine wreckage
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Airbus Helicopters has spoken out after an AS350 operated by Welk Aviation crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, killing three people.
The company confirmed it is assisting the NTSB investigation as officials examine the aircraft and work to determine what happened on September 15.
NTSB investigator-in-charge Fabian Salazar begins the on-scene examination Wednesday of the Eurocopter AS 350 B2 helicopter that crashed Tuesday during a news gathering operation in Chatsworth, California. pic.twitter.com/pfZucMBxeb
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) September 16, 2026
Airbus Helicopters addresses deadly NBC crash
Airbus Helicopters, which built the Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Ecureuil involved in the crash, released a statement about the accident.
“Airbus Helicopters confirms that an AS350 operated by Welk Aviation was involved in an accident on Sept. 15, in Chatsworth, California, while covering news for local television stations,” the company said.
BREAKING: Previously unpublished video captures the helicopter’s final seconds and impact, shown at regular speed and in slow motion. The blades appear stalled, but only NTSB analysis can determine rotor speed and cause. Viewer discretion. #NTSB #AviationSafety #CopterPilot pic.twitter.com/kHZGczmqOg
— Los Angeles Aerial Photography (@copterpilotla) September 18, 2026
“We offer our condolences to the families of those who died and to everyone impacted by this accident. Airbus Helicopters is assisting in the NTSB's investigation.”
The manufacturer also said there are “more than 4,800 AS350/H125 helicopters in service today, having accumulated around 40 million flight hours.”
The company added, “As is standard for any ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further.”
NTSB examines NBC helicopter wreckage
NTSB investigators were at the crash site Wednesday alongside the airframe and engine manufacturers.
An NTSB investigator said the manufacturers may receive crash components for “a more thorough examination to include tearing them all the way down to their base.”
The helicopter carrying the news crew was a Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Ecureuil with registration N358TV.
According to FAA records provided in the report, it was manufactured in 2004 and had a valid registration through December 2028.
FAA maintenance records show the helicopter last underwent a major repair and alteration in August 2023.
The work was related to its airframe and included a door modification, a new equipment list, and a weight and balance revision.
Zoey Tur points to possible engine failure
Veteran helicopter pilot and former news reporter Zoey Tur said video from the crash appeared to capture signs of an engine failure shortly before the helicopter went down.
“If you listen, you could hear the low rotor RPM annunciator horn going off. You could also hear the engine rev down,” Tur wrote.
She added, “This was an engine failure, and slow response into entering an auto -rotation by PiC. No survivors.”
Tur also noted in an accompanying post that she owned two similar helicopters.
Her comments remain an assessment of the available video as the federal investigation continues.
AS350 helicopter family has a history of fatal crashes
The crash has also brought attention to other fatal incidents involving the AS350 helicopter family.
A Eurocopter AS 350B2 Ecureuil collided in mid-air with a Bell 206B JetRanger III carrying singer Oliver Tree and his entourage in Brazil in June. Six people, including the Eurocopter's pilot, were killed.
Four other fatal incidents involving the Aérospatiale AS 350 Ecureuil family were reported in Germany in August, China and New Zealand in May, and Kenya in February.
The New Zealand crash killed two people, while the Kenya crash killed six, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
Nearly 400 flight incidents involving the AS 350 Ecureuil family have occurred in the US since January 1980, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
