AO-2026-008 AS350 B2 impact with ground Chatsworth, California, USA, 15 September 2026

For New Zealand, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is assisting an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States of America.

NTSB is investigating a helicopter accident in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California a about 6:55pm on Tuesday 15 September 2026 local time (0155 16 September UTC). The reported circumstances were that the AS350 B2 helicopter, registration N358TV was on an electronic news gathering flight with a pilot and one passenger was on board. While operating about 800 ft above ground level, the helicopter descended rapidly and impacted on a metal shipping container. A postaccident fire destroyed the helicopter and resulted in fatalities for the two people on board and one person on the ground.

The NTSB requested an accredited representative from New Zealand to assist their investigation, as the Supplemental Type Certificate for the LTS-101 engine into an Airbus AS 350 B2 now resides with Salus Aviation, Ardmore, New Zealand. To this end, TAIC has opened an inquiry under section 8(2)(e) of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission Act 1990 (to cooperate and coordinate with other accident investigation organisations overseas, including taking evidence on their behalf) and has appointed an accredited representative. The investigation remains that of the USA.