Three people were killed in helicopter crash during reality show filming

Three people were killed in a helicopter crash at about 4 a.m. on Sunday in northern Los Angeles in the midst of filming a new reality series for the Discovery Channel.

Los Angeles County Fire dispatcher Robert Diaz told The Associated Press that the helicopter crashed in Polsa Rosa Ranch, a popular location for films in the city of Acton.

According to the Discover Channel’s filming permit, the new show was military-themed and was being produced by Eyeworks USA.

The station released a statement saying, “A production company was shooting a show for Discovery Channel when this tragic accident occurred. We are all cooperating fully with authorities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.”

Records released show that the station had permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to use the helicopter in filming.

Philip Sokoloski, of FilmLA, the company that permits shooting locations for the area said in a statement, “We wouldn’t have referenced helicopter activity if we didn’t already have pre-approval from the FAA.”

FAA official Allen Kenitzer told KABC that the Bell 206 Jet Ranger was badly damaged and circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown.