Eurocopter Deutschland Gmbh EC 135 P2+ N313RX accident near Avalon, California

Preliminary information

On September 30, 2026, about 1946 Pacific daylight time, a Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH EC-135 P2+, N313RX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Avalon, California. The pilot, flight nurse, and patient were fatally injured; the flight paramedic was seriously injured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air medical flight.

The helicopter departed Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base (L11), Avalon, California, with a planned destination of Torrance, California.

A review of ADS-B data revealed that the helicopter climbed to a maximum altitude of about 90 ft mean sea level. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter entered a descent for several seconds before it impacted water. The last data point indicated the helicopter’s groundspeed was about 65 knots, and its descent rate was about 1,280 fpm.

Witnesses near L11 reported that the helicopter lifted off from the seaplane base, entered a descent and then impacted water. The witnesses also noted that it was a dark, moonless night.

A review of surveillance video revealed that a medical helicopter operated by another organization departed L11 about 45 seconds before the accident helicopter. The video showed that the helicopter lifted off from its helipad into a hover, turned and departed to the north. Approximately 13 seconds later the helicopter entered a descent, contacted the water twice, and then entered a climb. The accident helicopter then lifted off, climbed slightly and departed on a northerly heading. Several seconds later the helicopter entered a nose low attitude and subsequently impacted the water about 8 seconds later.

The helicopter wreckage was located in the water, at a depth of about 209 ft, about 0.3 miles north of L11.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26FA363 for the full record.