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Sikorsky S76B Crash Near Calabasas, California (N72EX)

Calabasas, CA, United States

On January 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S76 B (registration N72EX) operated by Island Express was involved in an aviation accident near Calabasas, CA. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Sikorsky S76B helicopter, N72EX, crashed into hilly terrain near Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020, killing all nine people on board. The aircraft was destroyed in a post-impact fire.

Accident Overview On January 26, 2020, at approximately 0945 PST, a Sikorsky S76B helicopter with registration N72EX crashed into hilly terrain near Calabasas, California. The aircraft was operated by Island Express Helicopters. All eight passengers and one pilot aboard were fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed. A post-impact fire also resulted in a brush fire. ## Flight Details The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 135 operating rules and visual flight rules. It originated at John Wayne Airport (KSNA) in Santa Ana, California, and was destined for Camarillo Airport (KCMA) in Camarillo, California. ## Weather Conditions At the time of the accident, weather at Van Nuys Airport, located about 14 miles northeast of the crash site, was reported as 1,100 feet overcast with 2 1/2 miles visibility.

Contributing factors

PilotOperatorCompliance w/ procedureDecision related to conditionNot installed/availableATC personnel

Related events

Same aircraft family

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