The medical helicopter that crashed into the water off Santa Catalina Island, killing two, injuring two, and leaving a patient missing, reportedly took off from Oceanside Wednesday evening.
The incident involved a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter– identified by the FAA as a Eurocopter EC135 — that departed Oceanside at around 6:41 p.m., according to Flightradar, a live flight-tracking website. It landed in Catalina at 7:04 p.m.
Five people were aboard at the time of the crash, which was reported near the helipad at Pebbly Beach, about a mile from Avalon, just after 7:50 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
It’s unclear what caused the helicopter to go down or where it was headed.
Authorities say four people were pulled out from the scene and were taken to the hospital. LA County Fire said two died, while two others were stable.
Oceanside FD Chief confirmed Thursday that the pilot was one of the deceased.
Details about the others, including their ages or their roles on the aircraft, were not immediately available.
The patient who was being transported off the island to the mainland remained missing Wednesday night.
“Conditions right now are actually calm on scene, so I would call them ideal search conditions,” U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Mark Leahey said. “But there is a lot of debris from the crash. There is some fuel in the water also from the helicopter. But our crews train for this, so we’re ready for the response.”
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Catalina Island, shared an X post following the crash.
“I have been informed that a medevac helicopter leaving Catalina Island has crashed shortly after takeoff,” she said. “LA County Fire, Sheriff, Coast Guard, and Avalon Fire are on the scene. Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board.”
A spokesperson for Global Medical Response, which owns the helicopter, told NBC Los Angeles it was aware of the incident and was coordinating with authorities and first responders.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Avalon Fire Department also responded. A dive team, multiple aircraft and boats were also searching the area.
The National Transportation Safety Board was expected to lead the investigation.
“We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter,” REACH said in a statement. “At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities. Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones and colleagues affected by this tragedy. We are focused on supporting our team and everyone impacted during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for those involved and the ongoing response, we are unable to share additional details at this time.”
The Oceanside Fire Department issued a statement Thursday extending their heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy and with the entire REACH community during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.
OFD said the helicopter, REACH 16, had been based at the Oceanside Fire Department Training Center. No Oceanside Fire or police personnel were aboard the aircraft.
https://www.facebook.com/OceansideFireDepartment/posts/pfbid026afpcCJAS2AqBudcBC2fE7NYmDuQXdsyeQfbsrYkMoTAzwft8r2BWKT69pDhtYv5l
This is a developing story.