Medevac Helicopter Near-Miss Shocks Catalina Island

Two near-disastrous medical helicopter incidents occurred close to Catalina Island on September 30th, with one flight experiencing a significant altitude drop and another crashing into the ocean shortly thereafter. The first incident involved a Mercy Air helicopter operated by Air Methods, which dropped from 150 feet to 75 feet after takeoff. The pilot, using night-vision goggles, reported unclear visibility and felt a 'thump' and 'spray' beneath the aircraft.

Minutes later, a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter crashed into the ocean in nearly the same vicinity. This second incident followed a deadly crash involving another medevac flight two weeks prior, which claimed three lives. The Mercy Air flight, despite its issues, continued to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and was subsequently grounded. Investigations into both incidents are underway by the FAA and NTSB.