The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
FAA investigating 2nd helicopter that touched the ocean moments before deadly Catalina Island crash
The FAA is investigating what caused a second medical helicopter to nearly crash next to Catalina Island moments before another flight crashed and killed three people.
Two medical helicopters operating near Catalina Island experienced near-misses or crashes moments apart on Sept. 30, according to sources speaking with CBS News Los Angeles.
The first incident involved a Mercy Air helicopter operated by Air Methods. Witnesses say the aircraft descended toward the ocean shortly after takeoff, with at least one observer noting the belly briefly touched the water before the pilot recovered. An internal Air Methods report describes a drop from about 150 feet to 75 feet, followed by a perceived thump and spray after control was regained.
The second helicopter, Reach Air Medical Services, crashed roughly a minute after the first incident, in nearly the same location where the Mercy Air helicopter touched the water. Flight data indicate the Mercy Air flight continued to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center after the near‑collision moments earlier.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the fatal crash, while the FAA has begun looking into the causes of the earlier drop and the subsequent ocean impact. The Mercy Air helicopter was reportedly grounded after landing at the hospital, and the pilot indicated night-vision goggles were used, with visibility described as unclear due to no moon and calm seas.