A REACH medevac helicopter crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island seconds after takeoff Wednesday night, killing two, injuring two, and leaving one person missing as crews searched through the night.
The air ambulance went down in the waters near Avalon shortly after leaving the island, sending occupants into the Pacific and triggering a multi-agency Marine Search and Rescue response.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews confirmed late Wednesday that two people died, two were hospitalized, and a fifth person remained missing after the crash.
The New York Post reported five people were aboard the REACH helicopter when it lifted off from Avalon at 7:46 p.m. Flight data showed the aircraft climbed to about 175 feet before descending, with the signal disappearing roughly eight seconds after departure near Pebbly Beach.
County fire officials received a report of people in the ocean off Avalon around 7:53 p.m. and launched the rescue effort almost immediately. The Coast Guard’s Los Angeles Station later said at least five people had gone into the water and assisted in the response. Search and rescue operations continued through the night.
Boat crews rescued three people. Coast Guard personnel spotted two others in the water. At least one victim was flown to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where AIR7 video showed the person being wheeled from a helicopter.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described the scene as agencies poured resources onto the water.
"I have been informed that a medevac helicopter leaving Catalina Island has crashed shortly after takeoff. 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."
REACH Air Medical Services confirmed one of its helicopters was involved. An unnamed company spokesperson issued a brief statement as the company gathered details with responders.
ABC7 carried the company’s words:
"We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter. At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities. We are unable to provide additional details at this stage and will share more information when it becomes available. Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved."
Authorities have not released the names or roles of those on board, crew, patient, or otherwise, and have not said what caused the helicopter to go down so soon after takeoff. The investigation remains open. No further public update on the missing person had been issued by the time initial reports were published Thursday morning.
Medevac flights move critically ill and injured patients between remote locations and major hospitals every day. When one fails this close to departure, the people who run toward the water, firefighters, Coast Guard crews, and local responders, are the ones left to pull survivors out and keep searching in the dark.
Two families already have devastating news. Two more have injured loved ones in the hospital. One family is still waiting. The public deserves clear answers on what sent that helicopter into the ocean, and the crews who worked through the night deserve credit for doing the hardest job there is.
