Police Officer James David Ketchum, Costa Mesa Police Department, California

Police Officer James David Ketchum

Costa Mesa Police Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, March 10, 1987

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James David Ketchum

Police Officer Dave Ketchum and Police Officer John Libolt were killed when their helicopter was involved in a midair collision with the Newport Beach Police Department's helicopter while providing air support to a vehicle pursuit along MacArthur Boulevard.

The Costa Mesa's Hughes 500E helicopter's rotor blades sheered off, causing the aircraft to fall from the sky just south of the UC Irvine campus. Newport Beach's helicopter was able to make an emergency landing.

A civilian observer flying in the Costa Mesa helicopter was also killed. The driver of the fleeing vehicle was apprehended and charged with murder.

Bio

Age 39
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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I knew and worked with both of these officers almost on a daily basis as a CMPD Communications Officer (dispatch) from 1973-1981. Many years ago, now, and at 73 I'm not sure why for so long silent, but I've remembered them and their service all these years. The shock and sadness of this tragedy even after I had left the department still echos in my memory and I wanted to pay homage and respect.

Ron (Mac) McDonald
CMPD Communications

June 7, 2025