The FAA is investigating a separate, near-crash that happened moments before last month’s deadly helicopter crash near Catalina Island. CBS LA, citing a source, says another helicopter dropped altitude and touched the ocean on the night of September 30th. Moments later, a medical helicopter crashed into the ocean shortly after takeoff, killing three people onboard and injuring two others. The first aircraft was a Mercy Air helicopter operated by Air Methods. Witnesses report the helicopter’s belly touched the water, quickly pulled up and briefly touched the ocean again before the pilot regained control. An internal report from Air Methods says the helicopter dropped from 150 feet to 75 feet. Flight data shows the second aircraft, a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter, crashed in nearly the same spot where the Mercy Air helicopter touched the ocean. It happened about a minute later.
