Michael William Donatelli, 45, of Indiana, Pa., Darren Arthur Rydstrom, 46, of Whittier, and David Gene Gibbs, 59, of Valencia, were killed when the chopper went down early Sunday morning while filming a new reality show, which has not yet aired or been announced. The show is an untitled military-themed program for Discovery Channel.
"A production company was shooting a show for Discovery Channel when this tragic accident occurred," Discovery Channel said in a statement. "We are all cooperating fully with authorities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families."
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
According to the Internet Movie Database, Polsa Rosa Ranch was used in "Windtalkers" and the remake of "Red Dawn."
Just 25 miles away from Sunday's crash, actor Vic Morrow and two children were killed in 1982 in another helicopter crash while filming the "Twilight Zone" movie.
That crash brought changes in production restrictions and led to producer John Landis and four others being charged with involuntary manslaughter. All were acquitted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
