On 30 September 2026, at about 1946 Pacific daylight time, a Eurocopter EC135 P2+ (N313RX) operated by Reach Air Medical Services hit the water shortly after departing Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base (L11), Avalon, California, for Torrance. It was a Part 135 air medical flight. The pilot, flight nurse and patient were killed. The flight paramedic was seriously injured and the passenger had minor injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
Witnesses said it was a dark, moonless night. The weather reported at KAVX, 7 nautical miles away, was VMC with clear skies, 10 miles visibility and wind from 20° at 6 knots.
ADS-B data shows the helicopter climbed to a maximum of about 90 ft MSL. It then descended for several seconds before hitting the water. The last data point showed a groundspeed of about 65 knots and a descent rate of about 1,280 fpm.
Surveillance video also captured a medical helicopter from another organisation that departed L11 about 45 seconds earlier. It lifted into a hover, turned and departed to the north. About 13 seconds later it descended, contacted the water twice, and then climbed away.
The accident helicopter lifted off, climbed slightly and departed on a northerly heading. Several seconds later it entered a nose-low attitude. It hit the water about 8 seconds after that.
The wreckage was found at a depth of about 209 ft, about 0.3 miles north of L11. It has been recovered for further examination. The report is preliminary and gives no cause. The investigation continues.
Image Credit: © Ian L. Sitren/ZUMA Press Wire