Airbus Helicopters Assists NTSB Investigation Following LA Helicopter Crash

Airbus Helicopters, the manufacturer of the Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Ecureuil involved in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles on September 15, has stated it is assisting federal authorities in their investigation. The helicopter, operated by Welk Aviation, was involved in an accident while covering news for local television stations. Airbus Helicopters expressed condolences to the families affected by the incident and confirmed their cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. The company noted that there are over 4,800 AS350/H125 helicopters in service, with approximately 40 million flight hours logged. As part of the investigation, NTSB investigators were present at the crash site, and the manufacturers may receive crash components for detailed examination. The helicopter, registered as N358TV, was manufactured in 2004, with its registration valid until December 2028. Maintenance records indicate that the helicopter underwent major repairs in August 2023. Zoey Tur, a veteran helicopter pilot, suggested that video evidence indicated engine failure prior to the crash. The AS 350 B2 model has been involved in several fatal accidents this year, including a mid-air collision in Brazil that resulted in six fatalities. According to the Aviation Safety Network, there have been nearly 400 flight incidents involving the AS 350 Écureuil helicopter family in the US since January 1980.