Catalina Island Helicopter Crash: What Officials Confirmed

The Catalina Island helicopter crash on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, left three people dead and two others hospitalized. A REACH Air Medical Services helicopter carrying a patient to the mainland went down in the ocean shortly after takeoff, NBC Los Angeles reported, citing county fire officials.

Key facts at a glance

What happened near Pebbly Beach

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said the helicopter went down just after 7:50 p.m. The crash site was near the helipad at Pebbly Beach, roughly a mile from the town of Avalon. Debris and some fuel were visible on the water afterward.

Flight-tracking data cited by Fox News showed the aircraft left Oceanside at 6:40 p.m. and reached Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m. It was then preparing to carry a patient back toward the mainland. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC135, and AeroTime reported that federal investigators described it as an EC135 P2.

Officials have not said what caused the helicopter to fall. Witnesses, including first responders who were already at the helipad, told reporters they saw it go down moments after leaving the ground, according to KTLA.

Catalina Island helicopter crash: who was on board

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the five people aboard at a Thursday news conference, KTLA reported. They were a 45-year-old island resident who was having an allergic reaction, her 24-year-old son, a nurse, a 49-year-old paramedic and the pilot. The woman was being flown to a mainland emergency room.

The Oceanside Fire Department said it was mourning a REACH crew member, and its chief confirmed the pilot was among those killed, according to FOX 5 San Diego.

Early reports on Wednesday night said two people had died and one was missing. That count changed after the search continued into Thursday and the patient was found. Readers who saw the earlier figures should rely on the later official accounts.

Rescue and recovery effort

Lifeguards and bystanders reached the water quickly. Los Angeles County Lifeguard Battalion Chief AJ Lester said ordinary citizens also went in to help. Two Baywatch Avalon lifeguards, who are part of the county fire department, pulled two survivors to shore.

Crews from Baywatch Isthmus, Avalon Fire and harbor staff treated the nurse and the pilot, who were in cardiac arrest. Both were later declared dead at the scene, KTLA reported.

The patient’s son and the paramedic survived and were taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Officials said the paramedic had a broken femur and that the son was being monitored by doctors.

The response grew into a multi-agency operation, with the U.S. Coast Guard base in San Pedro serving as a command post. Dive teams searched through the night and into Thursday. Fire Chief Tony Marrone said a remotely operated vehicle found the helicopter in 218 feet of water. Underwater cameras showed it largely intact on the seafloor, and the patient’s body was recovered afterward.

Where the investigation stands

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, according to KRCR, and no cause has been made public. Officials have not said whether weather, mechanical trouble or another factor played a role. Anything beyond the confirmed facts would be speculation.

Reaction from officials and REACH

County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Catalina Island, offered condolences and praised the medical crew. She said those aboard had spent their careers answering emergencies and saving lives.

REACH, based in Sacramento, said its whole organization was grieving. The company thanked first responders for their work through the night, said many questions remain, and said its focus is on caring for its people and supporting their families.

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