AVALON, CA — A pilot and flight nurse were killed and another person remained missing Thursday morning after a medical helicopter carrying five people crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island shortly after takeoff, according to reports.
Two other people survived the crash and were transported to hospitals on the mainland in stable condition, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The REACH Air Medical Services helicopter went down in the waters off Pebbly Beach near Avalon at about 7:50 p.m. Wednesday. The aircraft was transporting a patient from Catalina Island to the mainland for additional medical care, authorities said.
Four of the five people aboard were recovered from the water. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, while the two survivors were taken to the mainland for treatment. City News Service reported that the two people killed were the helicopter's pilot and a flight nurse, citing KABC. Authorities had not released their names as of Thursday morning.
Los Angeles County firefighters and lifeguards responded to the crash along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Avalon Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said one of its helicopters was diverted to the scene and arrived within about 10 to 15 minutes of the crash.
Search crews continued working through the night and into Thursday morning. Divers and a remotely operated underwater vehicle were expected to be used to examine the wreckage and surrounding area as the search continued.
The helicopter is submerged in approximately 240 feet of water. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said Wednesday night that she had been informed a medevac helicopter crashed shortly after leaving Catalina Island.
"Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board," Hahn said.
Authorities had not publicly identified those aboard the helicopter as of Thursday morning. REACH Air Medical Services confirmed Wednesday night that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.
"We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter," the company said in a statement. "At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities."
The company said its immediate concern was for the well-being of those involved.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the crash and identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC-135-P2. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating.
The helicopter crashed a short distance offshore shortly after departing Catalina, according to authorities and no cause had been announced as of Thursday morning.
Flight-tracking data cited by local news outlets showed a REACH helicopter leaving Oceanside at about 6:40 p.m. Wednesday and landing on Catalina Island shortly after 7 p.m.
Less than an hour later, the aircraft crashed into the ocean after taking off from the island. Search-and-rescue operations for the fifth person remained underway Thursday morning.
Related:
City News Service contributed to this report.
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