KTLA’s chopper had to make an emergency landing in a Hollywood parking lot Monday after smoke began pouring from the rear of its engine, all while being trailed by the chopper from KCBS/KCAL. The emergency was first noticed by SKY2 pilot Dan Catalano as both choppers were covering reports of a gunman on the loose.
KTLA pilot Tim Lynn declared an emergency on the radio as Catalano could be heard declaring, “5’s got trouble! I don’t know what’s wrong… Dude he’s on fire!”
Lynn made an emergency landing in an empty parking lot at Hollywood Boulevard and Franklin Avenue. Lynn and KTLA photographer Jeff Laabs got out, uninjured.
“You never know, you never know when your time is going to come,” Laabs says. “And, thankfully, today was not mine. But, thank you to Tim, the Lord, and just everyone for looking out. I’m glad we made it down safely.”
Fire officials said a crack in the engine caused an oil leak leading to the thick smoke.