Full Breakdown
Medivac Helicopter Crash Off Catalina Island Leaves Two Dead, Two Injured, One Missing
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A medical-transport helicopter went down in the Pacific Ocean shortly after takeoff from Catalina Island on Wednesday night. The aircraft crashed near Pebbly Beach, about a mile from Avalon. Five people were aboard; two were pronounced dead at the scene, two were rescued and taken to mainland hospitals in stable condition, and a fifth person remains missing. Emergency responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Avalon Fire arrived shortly after the crash was reported just before 8 p.m.
Data & Statistics
- Occupants: 5 (2 dead, 2 injured, 1 missing)
- Crash location: Approximately 240 ft (73 m) deep water off Pebbly Beach, about 22 mi (35 km) from the Los Angeles County mainland.
- Time of crash: Shortly after departure, reported just before 8 p.m.
- Aircraft type: Reported as an Airbus H135, Eurocopter EC135, or Eurocopter EC-135-P2.
- Ownership: Identified as a REACH Air Medical Services aircraft; Global Medical Response is also cited as the parent organization.
Official Statements & Responses
Los Angeles County Fire officials confirmed the casualty figures and the ongoing search for the missing person. U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy said the agency had deployed a helicopter, a response boat and an underwater remotely operated vehicle to assess the wreckage and continue the search. “We believe that the medical aircraft was transporting a person off the island for additional medical care on the mainland,” Crecy added.
A spokesperson for REACH Air Medical Services said the company was aware of the incident, was gathering information, and was coordinating with emergency responders, emphasizing concern for the families and crew.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also plans to examine the crash.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Aircraft model: The New York Times identified the helicopter as an Airbus H135, while the Associated Press, ABC 7 and several local outlets described it as a Eurocopter EC-135-P2. No definitive confirmation has been released.
- Operator details: Some reports cite REACH Air Medical Services directly, whereas others reference Global Medical Response as the parent company. The exact flight plan and purpose of the transport have not been disclosed.
- Cause of crash: No agency has provided a cause; investigations by the NTSB and FAA are pending.
What’s Next
The NTSB is expected to arrive on the scene to begin documentation and recovery of the aircraft. Divers and remotely operated vehicles will continue to search for the missing person and examine the submerged fuselage. The FAA and NTSB will release preliminary findings once available, and the search operation is slated to continue through the night of October 1, 2026.