Authorities say 6 killed in helicopter crash in California

A helicopter carrying six people crashed and caught fire Friday night near the California-Nevada border, killing all aboard, officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter crashed at about 10 p.m. local time near Nipton, California, an unincorporated community about 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County.

The helicopter left Palm Springs, Calif., at 8:45 p.m. local time and was headed toward Boulder City, Nev., Michael Graham, a board member of the National Transportation Safety Board, said during a news conference Saturday.

The charter flight crashed near Halloran Springs, Calif., around 10:08 p.m. Mr. Graham said, adding that everyone on board the plane – two crew members and four passengers – were killed. He said eyewitnesses said the helicopter crashed amid rain and winter.

Mr Graham said, “I want to express my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.” Officials said the names of those who died will be released after they have been identified and their family members have been notified.

The flight was operated by Orbik Air LLC, owned by It is said to be located in Burbank, California. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking service, the helicopter was last seen near Barstow, California at 9:49 p.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating the crash, officials said.

Jack Begg Contributed to research.