Veteran helicopter pilot George Marciniw, NewsChopper 4 flyer for NBCLA, killed in crash
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: George Marciniw, a veteran Southern California helicopter pilot, has come into focus following the NBC News helicopter crash in Los Angeles on September 15.
Marciniw has been associated with NBC Los Angeles’ NewsChopper 4 and has worked as both a helicopter pilot and flight instructor.
However, NBC has not officially confirmed that Marciniw was the pilot aboard the helicopter involved in the crash. His professional background and connection to NBC's aerial news operation have nevertheless drawn attention as questions remain around the aircraft and those involved.
Update: NBC4 aerial reporter Eliana Moreno & pilot George Marciniak were killed in today’s helicopter crash in Chatsworth. They brought us the news from above with courage & dedication. Heartbroken by this tragic loss. Prayers for their families, friends & the entire NBCLA family pic.twitter.com/CcbalmfMY9
— Police Pursuits Live (@PursuitsLive365) September 16, 2026
George Marciniw has more than 30 years of helicopter experience
Marciniw's career spans more than three decades in helicopter aviation. According to his professional flight-instructor profile, he says he has worked as a helicopter flight instructor for more than 30 years and has around 14,000 flight hours.
The profile lists Whiteman Airport in Southern California as his base and identifies him with Pacific Rotorways Helicopter Training.
His work has not been limited to television news, as his professional background includes flight instruction and other helicopter-related operations.
His Facebook profile describes him as a helicopter pilot involved in aerial filming, flight instruction, surveillance, ferry flights and helicopter management. The experience has also included work connected to NBC News in Los Angeles, where helicopters are used to provide aerial footage during breaking news and major events.
George Marciniw is associated with NBC Los Angeles’ NewsChopper 4
Marciniw is associated with NBC Los Angeles’ NewsChopper 4, the station's helicopter used for aerial coverage across Southern California.
The aircraft allows NBC Los Angeles to capture live views of accidents, breaking news scenes and other major events from the air.
Marciniw's work has put him behind the controls during this kind of television news coverage.
Aviation-related posts featuring Marciniw have also identified him as the pilot during flights involving NBC's Los Angeles news helicopter. One post describes a night flight in an NBC News helicopter with Marciniw and NBC Los Angeles reporter Eliana Moreno.
He has also been publicly identified as the pilot in aerial news footage involving Moreno.
George Marciniw's work extends beyond television news
Marciniw's aviation career goes beyond his association with NBC.
His flight-instructor profile says he teaches both new and experienced pilots and can provide instruction using either his own helicopters or a student's aircraft.
His social media presence also continues to feature helicopter aviation and aerial work, including photographs and videos from flights around Southern California.
His professional experience includes several areas of helicopter operations, from aerial filming and surveillance to ferry flights and helicopter management.
That background has made him a familiar name in Southern California's helicopter aviation community.
Marciniw's name has surfaced after an NBC News helicopter crashed while covering a vehicle accident in Los Angeles on September 15.
While his past work with NBC's Los Angeles helicopter operation is documented, NBC has not officially confirmed that Marciniw was the pilot aboard the aircraft involved in the crash.
