Introduction
On October 6, 2025, at about 1905 Pacific daylight time, an Airbus Helicopters EC-130 T2, registration N414RX, was substantially damaged in an accident in Sacramento, California. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air medical flight.
Flight Details
The helicopter departed UC Davis Medical Center Tower II Heliport (3CLO) in Sacramento, California, with a planned destination of Mc Clellan Airfield (MCC), also in Sacramento. The flight crew consisted of a pilot, a flight paramedic, and a flight nurse.
Accident Sequence
The flight paramedic reported that shortly after takeoff she noticed the power had gone out and the helicopter was autorotating towards U.S. Route 50. She made a mayday call on the company radio frequency. Subsequently, the helicopter came to rest on its left side in the eastbound lanes of U.S. Route 50, about 1,600 ft north of 3CLO.
A main rotor blade ground impression was observed on the residential side of the fence that enclosed the highway. Additionally, a section of the outer portion of the main rotor blade was discovered embedded in the roof of a detached garage on a residential home located next to the highway.
A review of ADS-B data revealed that the total accident flight lasted about 26 seconds. The data showed the helicopter departed the helipad and climbed to a maximum altitude of about 500 ft mean sea level. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter was in descent for the final 11 seconds of the flight.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter’s fuselage and main rotor blades sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was recovered and retained for further examination.
The pilot and flight paramedic sustained serious injuries; the flight nurse succumbed to her injuries 4 days after the accident.