Trending Topics

Pilot, medic and nurse injured in N.C. medical helicopter crash

Novant Health said the medical helicopter went down while returning to its base in Onslow County

Associated Press

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Three people were taken to a hospital after a medical helicopter crashed in a wooded area near a North Carolina airport, officials said.

The three team members who were on the AirLink helicopter on Monday night were taken for evaluation. No patients were on board, Novant Health said in a statement.

The team consisted of a pilot, a critical care registered nurse and a critical care paramedic, Novant Health said in another statement released later Tuesday. They were in fair condition Tuesday evening, Novant Health said.

The Eurocopter EC-135 helicopter crashed near Wilmington International Airport around 7:50 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. The helicopter had left Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington to return to its base at Albert J. Ellis Airport in the Richlands area of Onslow County, Novant Health said.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

“We are deeply grateful for the compassionate care and swift response demonstrated by area first responders and our team members following the recent helicopter incident,” the health care company’s statement said.

Trending
REACH Pilot Chad Millward, Paramedic Margaret Davis and Flight Nurse Susan Smith were rescued after the helicopter went down moments after departing UC Davis Medical Center
Funded by the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s spring campaign, the grant equipped the EMS team with lifesaving gear
A 6-year study by the American College of Surgeons found nearly 42% of fatally injured drivers in Montgomery County had blood levels far exceeding state impairment limits, suggesting recent cannabis use before crashes
Inspired by her 4-year-old with autism, Virginia Beach Paramedic Bailey Hartley’s kits equip crews with sensory tools to cut overload and improve communication