Accident Overview
On September 23, 2025, at 2303 Pacific daylight time, a Eurocopter EC-135 T2+ helicopter, registered as N955AL, was substantially damaged in an accident near Whittier, Washington. The helicopter was operated by Air Methods, LLC under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an air medical flight. The pilot and three medical crew members received minor injuries.
Flight Details
According to the pilot, while en route back to the helicopter's base, he received a request to transport a medical patient. He received the scene coordinates and proceeded to the location. Upon arrival, he determined that the coordinates were incorrect by a few miles. After circling, he established communication with the landing zone (LZ) commander on the ground and was able to locate the scene. The LZ was situated at an interstate highway exit adjacent to the highway, and the surface consisted of gravel and dirt.
During his initial approach, the pilot opted to perform a go-around maneuver and then established an approach from another direction. The pilot further stated that he communicated with the onboard crew throughout the approach about their view and obstructions. The helicopter passed surrounding treetops and light poles and continued toward the LZ.
Brownout Event
As the helicopter descended, the crewmember positioned in the left-front seat communicated that she observed dust accumulating in the air, which the pilot acknowledged. The helicopter continued to descend and, as it neared terrain, the crew’s visibility was reduced by dust and dirt, which the pilot described as a “brown out.”
According to the pilot, he maintained visual reference to a light on a vehicle parked at the scene but decided not to abort the landing due to the rising terrain and nearby obstacles surrounding the LZ. As he attempted to maintain the helicopter in a hover about two feet above the ground, the helicopter impacted a mound of gravel and rolled onto its right side.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.