Local News
LAPD helicopter crashes at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Base in California
A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) helicopter crashed Tuesday during what appears to have been a training exercise at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base in Southern California.
The crash occurred under unspecified circumstances at the military facility located in Orange County.
Initial reports indicate that the helicopter, operated by the LAPD Air Support Division, was involved in a routine training operation when the incident took place.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation. Authorities have not released specific details regarding the cause of the crash.
While early information suggests that the officers aboard the helicopter did not sustain serious injuries, officials have not provided a definitive statement on their condition.
@newschannel3now LAPD helicopter crashes at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Base in California; no immediate word on injuries. An LAPD Helicopter has crashed. Possibly just training at Los Alamitos. The officers appear uninjured. #LosAngelesPolice ♬ original sound – NewsChannel3NOW
The LAPD is working in coordination with local emergency services and the base’s personnel to ensure the safety of all involved.
An investigation has been launched to determine the factors contributing to the crash. It is unclear whether mechanical issues, human error, or environmental factors played a role in the incident. Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to assist with the inquiry, as is standard protocol for aviation incidents.
The Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base is a hub for military and law enforcement training activities. It regularly hosts exercises involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the LAPD.
No further details have been released about the condition of the helicopter or the specific nature of the training exercise.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
An aviation incident involving a United Airlines aircraft was reported Tuesday at Washington Dulles International Airport, prompting an emergency response and temporary operational disruptions.
According to preliminary information, United Airlines Flight 803 (UA803), a Boeing 777 scheduled to operate from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), experienced an engine malfunction during takeoff.
Reports indicate the incident involved an engine blowout or engine fire shortly after departure, which led to debris and heat igniting multiple brush fires near the runway.
Airport fire and rescue units, along with multiple supporting fire departments, were immediately dispatched to the airfield.
Fire crews worked to extinguish brush fires reported near Runway 1C, while airport operations focused on securing the affected areas and maintaining safety.
Following the engine issue, the aircraft entered a holding pattern to dump fuel in accordance with safety procedures before making an emergency return to Dulles.
Smoke was visible near the runway area as firefighters addressed the ground fires. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
The aircraft later landed safely at Dulles International Airport.
Emergency personnel remained on scene following the landing to ensure the situation was fully stabilized.
Some unconfirmed information circulating indicates that the same aircraft may have experienced an engine-related issue earlier this year, on June 21, 2025.
Officials have not verified this information, and no connection has been established between that reported incident and Tuesday’s event.
The Federal Aviation Administration, United Airlines, and airport officials are expected to conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the engine malfunction and the resulting brush fires.
This remains an active investigation, and additional verified details will be released as they become available.