Accident Overview
On May 19, 2025, at 1941 eastern daylight time, a Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH BK117-C1, registered as N117NC, was substantially damaged during an accident near Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an air medical flight.
Flight Details
The flight originated from the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center North Heliport (PA39) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was en route to Wings Field Airport (LOM), also in Philadelphia, which served as the helicopter’s home base. This flight followed the completion of a patient transport mission.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, while cruising at an altitude of about 1,300 feet mean sea level and an indicated airspeed of 120 knots, approximately 3 to 4 nautical miles south of LOM, the helicopter became uncontrollable and began shuddering violently. The pilot stated that no visual or aural warnings preceded the event. He reported a total loss of tail rotor control, including loss of pedal authority and tail rotor thrust.
Emergency Landing
In response, the pilot lowered the collective and initiated an autorotation descent. During the descent, he identified a grass field adjacent to a driveway as a suitable forced landing area. The helicopter touched down after rotating approximately 180 degrees. The pilot then performed an emergency engine shutdown and applied the rotor brake.
Subsequent Actions
The helicopter wreckage was retained for further examination.