An air ambulance helicopter crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island on Wednesday night, only seconds after leaving Avalon. Emergency crews rushed to the area, with five people reportedly aboard the aircraft.
The REACH helicopter departed at 7:46 p.m. and climbed to about 175 feet before beginning its descent, according to ADS-B flight data.
The aircraft’s signal vanished eight seconds after takeoff, according to Squawk.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent helicopters and divers to the area at about 7:50 p.m. after receiving reports that a helicopter had gone down near the island, CBS reported.
The crash was reported near Pebbly Beach, according to NBC.
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Boat crews rescued three people, while firefighters said two others were seen by the U.S. Coast Guard. A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter also responded to the emergency.
No one had been transported as of 8:40 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Flight tracking data showed that a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter had departed Oceanside in San Diego County and arrived on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn issued a statement as the response continued: “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.”
