By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
Update: September 16, 2026
Another fatal aviation crash occurred on September 15. It marked the seventh deadly crash in 11 days.
The seven crashes occurred across three countries. At least 21 people died.
The latest crash involved a news helicopter in Los Angeles. The crew was covering another deadly crash when the helicopter went down.
News helicopter crash kills three in Los Angeles
A news helicopter crashed Tuesday evening in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. Three people died.
The helicopter was covering a deadly collision involving an SUV and a Metro bus. NBC4 and Telemundo 52 said the aircraft crashed shortly before 7 p.m.
NBC identified two of those killed as aerial journalist and photojournalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. Both worked for Angel City Air, which operated the helicopter.
A third person was killed on the ground. Two other people were taken to a hospital.
The helicopter crashed between commercial buildings and burst into flames, damaging vehicles and storage containers.
The cause of the crash has not been determined. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
This tragedy hits close to home for me. I spent years aboard television news helicopters. I was working at KPNX in Phoenix when Chopper 3 and Chopper 15 collided. Our helicopter was also covering the police pursuit. I then had to report on the crash that killed four people.
Pilot killed in Alabama plane crash
A Van’s RV-4 crashed near Albertville, Alabama, Tuesday morning. The crash killed the pilot.
The FAA said the aircraft crashed around 6:50 a.m. on September 15. The pilot was the only person aboard.
Local authorities identified the pilot as 62-year-old Douglas Emge of Whiton. The FAA and NTSB continue to investigate the crash.
Seven fatal aviation crashes occurred across three countries in 11 days. At least 21 people died.
The crashes occurred from September 5 through September 15, 2026. They involved several types of aircraft. Those included private planes, a cargo jet, a training aircraft and three helicopters.
Investigators have not linked the crashes. They have not identified a common cause.
Four family members killed near Fresno
The deadly stretch began September 5 near Sierra Sky Park Airport in Fresno, California.
A single-engine Grumman American AA-5 crashed shortly after takeoff and caught fire near the San Joaquin River.
Two children died at the scene. Danna Eady, 41, and her husband, Craig Eady, 44, later died from their injuries.
Danna Eady was a certified flight instructor. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
Amazon cargo jet overruns Miami runway
One day later, a Boeing 767-300 freighter overran a runway while landing at Miami International Airport.
The September 6 crash involved 21 Air Flight 7598, which was operating for Amazon Air after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The jet crossed an airport road, struck vehicles and caught fire. Five people on the ground were killed. Five others were hospitalized, including the two pilots.
NTSB investigators said flight information indicates the jet landed at high speed. The pilots briefly appeared to consider taking off again after touchdown.
The investigation remains underway. Authorities have not announced a final cause.
Read the NTSB investigative update
Two killed in San Diego Cessna crash
A Cessna 172 crashed and caught fire September 7 at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego.
The two people aboard were killed.
The privately operated aircraft crashed on airport property. No one on the ground was reported injured.
Federal investigators are working to determine what caused the airplane to go down.
Flying Doctor helicopter crashes in Malaysia
Five people died September 8 when a BO-105 helicopter crashed near Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak, Malaysia.
The helicopter was conducting a Flying Doctor Service mission. Those aboard included the pilot and four medical workers traveling to serve remote communities.
Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority identified the helicopter as registration 9M-LLF. The country’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating.
Officials have not determined what caused the crash.
Pilot killed in remote Australian helicopter crash
A helicopter crashed September 12 on a remote pastoral property in South Australia.
Police said the helicopter crashed at Devonborough Downs, approximately 200 kilometers west of Broken Hill.
The 51-year-old pilot was the only person aboard. He died at the scene.
Authorities have not released the helicopter’s type or operator. South Australia Police notified aviation authorities, and investigators are preparing a report for the coroner.
Read the South Australia Police report
What the cluster does—and does not—mean
The seven crashes involved different aircraft, missions, operators and locations.
One involved a large cargo jet. Three involved small airplanes. Three involved helicopters.
Investigators are examining the crashes independently. There is currently no evidence that the accidents are connected or share a common cause.
Investigators will examine factors including weather, maintenance, pilot actions, aircraft performance and operating procedures. Final findings in some of these investigations could take months or longer.
Tammy Rose Reports will continue following each investigation as authorities release confirmed information.
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