On November 8, 2025, an Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2, registration N107VU, was involved in an accident near Lebanon, Tennessee. The aircraft was operating as an air medical flight for Air Methods LLC, providing critical care transport services for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
What happened
At approximately 1334, the helicopter departed from its base in Gallatin, Tennessee, for a mission in Rutherford County. Shortly after departure, the crew was notified that the mission had been cancelled. While returning to base at an altitude of approximately 4,000 feet, the pilot transmitted a radio call to the communications center stating that there was a medical emergency on board involving the pilot.
The flight paramedic reported that after the turn toward Gallatin, the pilot became unresponsive. The paramedic noted the pilot exhibited a "complete blank stare" and failed to acknowledge verbal communications or provide typical physical signals of acknowledgement. The paramedic observed the pilot attempting to interact with the GPS or autopilot but failing to make purposeful movements with the flight controls.
In an attempt to manage the aircraft, the flight paramedic unbuckled his restraints and reached for the controls. He pulled back on the cyclic to slow the descent and tapped the collective to decrease power. While the paramedic attempted to steer the aircraft toward a field, the helicopter struck the tops of trees in a descending terrain area. The aircraft then impacted the ground approximately 10 to 20 feet above the surface.
The crash resulted in 1 fatality and 2 serious injuries. The flight nurse was killed, while the pilot and flight paramedic sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage showed the helicopter rolled onto its left side on upsloping terrain. While the fuselage and major components remained largely intact, the tail rotor driveshaft had separated at the center hanger bearing, and the tailboom was bent downward. The main transmission mounts were fractured and displaced.
Review of the engine data recorder showed no recorded abnormalities in the engine. The fuel system remained intact, and there was no post-impact fire. The investigation found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.