Former Marine One pilot identified in fatal Catalina Island medevac crash

Key points

• Steven Robinson, 59, a former Marine One pilot, was identified as the captain of the crashed aircraft.
• Flight nurse Jessica deVries, 48, and patient Catalina Hernandez, 45, also died in the crash.
• The helicopter, a Eurocopter EC135 P2 operated by REACH Air Medical Services, crashed into the ocean near Pebbly Beach shortly after takeoff.
• Two survivors, including Hernandez’s 20-year-old son and flight nurse Brad Sparks, were hospitalized; Sparks is recovering while the son’s condition is unclear.
• The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in deep water near the island.

Background

This incident is the second fatal crash involving REACH Air Medical Services in less than a year. It follows a news helicopter crash in Chatsworth earlier this month that killed three people. Catalina Island has a history of aviation accidents, with 42 crashes linked to its airport since 1982, though medical helicopter incidents are rarer.

How outlets are covering it

The California Post emphasized the identity of the pilot, highlighting his distinguished career as a Marine One pilot. The Los Angeles Times focused on the broader implications for Catalina Island’s reliance on medical evacuations and the challenges of flying in isolated areas. NBC 7 San Diego noted the helicopter’s departure from Oceanside and the emotional impact on local first responders, though no personnel from Oceanside were aboard.

Why it matters

The crash underscores the risks associated with medical evacuations from remote locations like Catalina Island. It raises questions about safety protocols and the challenges of flying in difficult conditions, particularly at night and over water. The incident also highlights the critical role of medical helicopters in providing emergency care to isolated communities.

What to watch

The NTSB will continue its investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Families of the victims are expected to hold memorial services, and the community is mourning the loss. There may be increased scrutiny of safety measures for medical evacuations in remote areas.