Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 19
Los Angeles Chopper Crash Kills 3 After DUI Bus Wreck Leaves 2 Dead
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 19

Los Angeles Chopper Crash Kills 3 After DUI Bus Wreck Leaves 2 Dead

3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 19

Summary

  • Three people died when News Chopper 4 crashed into a Chatsworth parking lot around 6:57 p.m. Tuesday while covering a bus collision less than a mile away, turning one fatal emergency into a five-death night.
  • Video and live audio from the helicopter captured changing engine sounds, pilot alerts and a rapid descent before the aircraft struck a shipping container and burst into flames, evidence now central to NTSB and FAA investigators.
  • Two hours earlier, authorities say Bailee Lynn Rios ran a red light, drove well beyond the speed limit and slammed an SUV into an LA Metro bus, killing passengers Gage Weida, 31, and Daniel Castillo, 46.
  • Rios now faces second-degree murder, DUI and reckless-driving charges, with bail set at $4.1 million after a judge found her medically unfit for arraignment Friday; she is due back in court Monday.
  • A preliminary federal report on the helicopter crash is expected within 30 days, while Los Angeles leaders and local media have held vigils for the five victims.

Insights

How did covering a deadly bus collision turn into a fiery, fatal nightmare for a highly experienced local news helicopter crew?
What catastrophic failure prevented a veteran pilot with 14,000 hours from saving NewsChopper4 before its deadly urban plunge?