Accident Brief DA-NWS-29640

Medical Helicopter Crashes Off Catalina Island, Six Missing as Debris Found

Eurocopter EC135 reference aircraft photograph
Reference image of a Eurocopter EC135; this is not the accident aircraft or crash scene. Wikimedia Commons - Tatcher - CC BY-SA 2.0 de.
Status Investigation Ongoing Updated Oct 5, 2026
By

This report is compiled from the cited public sources and updated when verified information becomes available.

Developing report: This report separates confirmed information from details that remain under investigation. It is updated when reliable new information becomes available.

Accident quick facts

Accident date 2026-09-30
Local time 19:45
Location near Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base, Avalon, California
Aircraft Eurocopter EC135
People on board 6
Reported injuries 6 missing
Report status Investigation Ongoing

What happened

On September 30, 2026, a Eurocopter EC135 medical helicopter crashed into the water near Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base in Avalon, California, at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time. Six people were on board and are currently missing. Debris from the helicopter has been found in the area.

Aircraft and flight information

The aircraft involved was a Eurocopter EC135 used for medical transport. Details about the flight origin and destination have not been released.

Emergency response

Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing occupants. Debris recovery efforts have been reported.

Investigation status

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident. The NTSB is leading the investigation and will provide updates as they become available.

What officials and reports have confirmed

  • A Eurocopter EC135 medical helicopter crashed near Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base, Avalon, California on September 30, 2026. [1]
  • Six people were on board and are missing; debris has been found. [1]
  • FAA and NTSB are investigating; NTSB leads investigation. [1]

Accident and investigation timeline

  1. 2026-09-30 19:45 local: Eurocopter EC135 medical helicopter crashed near Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base, Avalon, California [1]

What remains unknown

  • Condition of missing occupants
  • Cause of the crash
  • Details of emergency response operations

Investigating agencies: FAA, NTSB.

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