SACRAMENTO, CA — A serious medical helicopter crash in Sacramento on Highway 50 near Stockton Boulevard left three crew members — a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic — critically injured. No patients were on board at the time of the accident.
The crash was reported shortly after 7 p.m., forcing the eastbound lanes of the highway to close for more than six hours. Traffic reopened around 1:20 a.m. Tuesday after rescue teams completed their operations and removed debris from the scene.
According to Captain Justin Sylvia of the Sacramento Fire Department, one crew member was trapped under the helicopter after the impact. About 15 bystanders helped emergency personnel lift the aircraft and free the trapped crew member.
“It was a true act of community,” Sylvia said. “Everyone wanted to help when it was most needed.”
Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Caltrans traffic cameras showed heavy congestion, and drivers captured images of a small plume of smoke. Fire officials confirmed there was no fire, which prevented a potentially worse disaster.
Sylvia noted that if the helicopter had ignited, rescue crews would have had to transport water onto the highway, further complicating access due to heavy traffic.
CHP officials said it is still unclear whether the crew attempted an emergency landing.
Flight records indicate the helicopter departed Redding Regional Airport at 5:05 p.m., made a stop in Red Bluff, and landed at UC Davis Medical Center at 6:36 p.m. It took off again at 7:05 p.m., but disappeared from radar three minutes later while flying over Highway 50.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash to determine whether it was caused by mechanical failure or an attempted emergency landing.
