A helicopter crash claimed a man’s life on Catalina Island early this week. The helicopter crashed at a remote location on the island. Paramedics with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department emergency service deputies pronounced the pilot deceased around 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, according to Capt. John Hocking, commander of the Avalon Sheriff’s Station. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The pilot was flying alone. His name had not been released.
According to Sgt. Craig Harman, also of the Avalon Station, a man who frequently flew a helicopter from Torrance to fly over the Island didn’t return Monday night, June 17, as expected. His wife called the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to report him overdue.
The ensuing search involved members of the LASD, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the United States Coast Guard. A Coast Guard 55 Dolphin was deployed as part of the search. USCG Petty Officer Mark Barney said the Sheriff’s Department was the first to arrive at the scene.
The debris was found around 9:30 a.m., according to Sgt. Harman.
Capt. Hocking said Emergency Services deputies landed at the scene in an Air 5 rescue helicopter. The remains were flown off the island to the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office. As of Tuesday, June 18, the pilot’s wife had been notified and authorities were working to reach other family.
The joint investigation of the crash is being conducted by the LASD’s Aero Bureau, Homicide Bureau, the LA County Coroner, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
