Los Angeles, California — A Chatsworth helicopter crash killed three people and left another hospitalized Tuesday evening as a television news crew covered a separate deadly Metro bus collision nearby. The two incidents have left families, colleagues, and the Chatsworth community confronting multiple fatalities as federal investigators begin examining what caused the aircraft to go down.
News Helicopter Crashes Near Mason Avenue in Chatsworth
The helicopter went down shortly before 7 p.m. on September 15, 2026, between commercial buildings near 9151 N. Mason Avenue in Chatsworth. The impact sparked a fire that spread to nearby vehicles.
Los Angeles firefighters responded, extinguished the blaze, and assessed four people on board the aircraft. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, and one survivor was transported for further care. Four vehicles and two storage containers were also damaged.
The Chatsworth helicopter crash occurred while news crews were covering an earlier Metro bus collision near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. That separate crash killed two people and sent six others to the hospital. The NTSB and FAA are investigating the helicopter incident.
How California Injury and Wrongful Death Claims May Apply
While federal investigators determine the cause of the aircraft crash, a separate civil investigation may examine whether negligence, defective equipment, improper maintenance, operational errors, or other factors contributed to it. Liability cannot be determined until the available evidence is reviewed.
California claims arising from an aviation accident may involve:
- Compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other documented losses suffered by survivors.
- Wrongful death claims by qualifying family members when another party’s wrongful act or negligence caused a death.
- Evidence involving aircraft maintenance, pilot conduct, operational records, mechanical components, and other potential causes.
California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for actions involving injury or death caused by another party’s wrongful act or neglect. California law also identifies certain surviving family members who may pursue a wrongful death action.
Get Legal Guidance After a Serious California Accident
Families affected by a California helicopter crash or serious accident may face medical expenses, lost income, funeral costs, insurance issues, and uncertainty about the future. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can review circumstances, preserve evidence, identify responsible parties, and explain legal options.
Justin For Justice assists California accident victims and families in understanding their rights after devastating incidents. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and possible next steps.