10/01/2026
A medical transport helicopter flying from Santa Catalina Island to the mainland crashed into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday night, leaving two people dead and one missing.
The L.A. County Fire Department received a call at 7:43 p.m. for a marine rescue. Five people were aboard the Eurocopter EC 135 P2, which is owned by REACH Air Medical Services. Flight tracking data show the aircraft left Pebbly Beach heliport and reached about 175 feet before rapidly descending, roughly eight seconds into the flight.
Rescuers found four people in the water. Two were pronounced dead, and two were taken to mainland hospitals in stable condition. The missing person is the patient who was being transported, according to the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is searching several square miles with a helicopter and a 45-foot boat. Officials believe the aircraft is at a depth of about 240 feet, and an underwater drone is being used to locate it.
The NTSB is leading the investigation, and its investigators arrived at the scene Thursday morning. REACH said it is coordinating with authorities and that its thoughts are with those affected. The cause has not been determined.