AVALON, CA. (THECOUNT) — Two people were killed, two others were injured and a fifth person remains missing after a medical helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after takeoff Wednesday night near Avalon on Santa Catalina Island in Los Angeles County, California.
The crash involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter was reported shortly after 7:50 p.m. near Pebbly Beach, approximately a mile from Avalon, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Advertisement
Five people were aboard the helicopter when it went down, authorities said. Rescue crews recovered four people from the water. Two were pronounced dead, while two others were transported to mainland hospitals and reported in stable condition.
The fifth person, identified by authorities as the patient being transported from Catalina Island to the mainland for additional medical care, remained missing Thursday as search crews continued operations in the waters off the island.
Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration indicates the two people killed were the helicopter’s pilot and a cabin crew member. A second cabin crew member suffered serious injuries, while the patient had minor injuries, according to the FAA.
The aircraft was identified by the National Transportation Safety Board as a Eurocopter EC-135-P2. Flight-tracking information reported by NBC Los Angeles indicates the helicopter departed Oceanside in San Diego County at approximately 6:41 p.m. Wednesday before landing on Catalina Island around 7:04 p.m.
The helicopter later departed Catalina carrying the patient when it crashed into the ocean shortly after takeoff. The exact cause of the crash has not been determined.
Los Angeles County firefighters, the U.S. Coast Guard, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department divers and Avalon Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. Multiple aircraft and boats were used during the overnight search, while divers and a remotely operated vehicle were being deployed to examine the submerged wreckage.
Authorities said the helicopter is believed to be submerged in approximately 240 feet of water. Coast Guard officials said conditions at the scene were calm, although debris and some fuel from the aircraft were present in the water.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash. Investigators are expected to document the wreckage and determine what caused the helicopter to go down.
The identities of the two people killed and the other occupants had not been publicly released as of Thursday morning. REACH Air Medical Services confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved and said the company was coordinating with emergency responders and authorities.
Santa Catalina Island is located approximately 22 miles off the Los Angeles County mainland. Avalon, the island’s largest community, is situated on the southeastern portion of Catalina and is accessible by air and boat from Southern California.
Google Maps: Santa Catalina Island, CA
DEVELOPING::