A medical evacuation helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Catalina Island near Los Angeles on Wednesday evening. The crash left two people dead, two hospitalized in stable condition, and a fifth person missing. Emergency responders were dispatched around 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday. The aircraft went down in 240 feet of water near Pebbly Beach, shortly after taking off from Catalina Island.
Due to high traffic on this story, please verify you are not a bot to instantly unlock the remaining content. Takes only 5 seconds!
Verify & Continue ReadingRescuers pulled four individuals from the water. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, and two were transported to mainland hospitals. First responders, including county firefighters, lifeguards, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, launched an extensive search and rescue operation. The operation continued through Thursday morning using remote-operated vehicle divers to locate the missing passenger.
Details of the Flight and Emergency Response
According to the U.S. Coast Guard and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, five people were aboard the Eurocopter EC 135 P2. The aircraft was owned and operated by REACH Air Medical Services of Sacramento, California. Flight tracking data indicated the helicopter flew from Oceanside in San Diego County earlier that evening. It landed on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m. and took off again roughly an hour later to transport a patient to the mainland.
Captain Stacey Crecy of the U.S. Coast Guard stated that favorable weather conditions allowed crews to maintain continuous search operations throughout the night and into Thursday morning. Teams used specialized marine units, aircraft, and underwater remote-operated vehicles to search the 240-foot deep wreckage site. This site is located about 22 miles off the Los Angeles County mainland.
Ongoing Investigation and Local Impact
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed her condolences on social media. She wrote that she was monitoring recovery efforts closely and praying for everyone on board. Local authorities and emergency personnel maintained a strong presence around Pebbly Beach as recovery operations persisted.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) took charge of the investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Representatives from REACH Air Medical Services confirmed they are cooperating fully with federal and local authorities. They are also prioritizing the well-being of the victims and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the medical helicopter crash off Catalina Island?
The exact cause of the crash is under active investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
How many people were on board the helicopter?
Five individuals were on board the REACH Air Medical Services helicopter at the time of the accident.
What is the status of the passengers and crew?
Two individuals died at the scene, two were rescued and taken to mainland hospitals in stable condition, and search teams worked to locate one missing person.
Which company operated the aircraft?
The helicopter was a Eurocopter EC 135 P2 operated by REACH Air Medical Services, based in Sacramento, California.
Where did the crash take place?
The aircraft went down in the Pacific Ocean in approximately 240 feet of water near Pebbly Beach off Catalina Island, roughly 22 miles from the Los Angeles County mainland.
