They were a dynamic duo, often taking to the skies to document some of the biggest major breaking news stories across Southern California.
But on Tuesday evening, KNBC reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw flew together for the last time, when their NBC4 news helicopter crashed and burst into flames in Chatsworth, killing them both and a third person on the ground. The third person was identified as Edy Mejia.
The chopper went down between two commercial buildings in the 9100 block of Mason Avenue around 7 p.m. In addition to the three killed, two others were hospitalized.
At the time of the crash, Moreno and Marciniw were covering a fatal vehicle collision in Chatsworth, in which three people were killed and six others were injured when an SUV smashed into a Metro bus.
Here’s more information about the victims.
Who were the victims of the helicopter crash?
The pair were referred to as “the eyes and ears in the sky,” according to NBC4. Moreno and Marciniw first began flying together in 2023 and worked together to cover everything from the L.A. wildfires in 2025 to police pursuits.
Moreno is from Orange County and graduated from Chapman University with a degree in broadcast journalism and political science. Moreno had been flying in news choppers since 2010. She is survived by her fiancé.
Moreno was also known as “Eli in the heli” on Instagram and reported for NBCLA and Telemundo 52.
Marciniw also grew up in Southern California and graduated from Burbank High School in 1974, according to NBC4. Marciniw also worked as a flight instructor for aspiring pilots.
According to a flight instructor profile, Marciniw has been a helicopter flight instructor for more than 30 years and has flown 14,000 hours. His base is listed as Whiteman Airport in Pacoima and he’s affiliated with Pacific Rotorways Helicopter Training.
Marciniw’s Facebook profile describes him as a helicopter pilot with experience in aerial filming, surveillance, flight instruction and helicopter management.
“We are deeply saddened to share that a helicopter providing aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was involved in a fatal accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening,” NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”
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