Medical Helicopter Crashes, Claiming Lives of 3 Crew Members in MS

On Monday, March 10, 2025, a medical transport helicopter crashed in Madison County, Mississippi, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members on board. 

At approximately 1:51 p.m. local time, an AirCare helicopter affiliated with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) crashed in a heavily wooded area near the Natchez Trace Parkway and Highway 43. The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC-135 helicopter owned and operated by Med-Trans Corporation, was returning to its base after completing a patient delivery when the incident occurred.

Local authorities, including the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Gluckstadt Fire Department, quickly responded to the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was promptly notified and is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

The crash claimed the lives of three individuals: a pilot employed by Med-Trans and two hospital workers from UMMC. At the time of the incident, the helicopter was not carrying any patients. While the families of the victims have been notified, authorities have not released their names to protect their privacy.

This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the risks undertaken by medical transport crews and first responders in their mission to provide critical care services. Their dedication and sacrifice in the face of danger deserve recognition and respect from the communities they serve.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also offered his condolences, stating, “It’s a tragic reminder of the risks Mississippi’s first responders take every day to keep us safe. Our state will never forget the sacrifice of these heroes”. 

While medical helicopter transport is generally considered safe, incidents like this tragic crash serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with air medical services. The investigation by the FAA will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and potentially identifying areas for improvement in safety protocols or equipment.

The loss of three dedicated healthcare professionals in this medical helicopter crash is a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to saving others. As the investigation unfolds and the medical community mourns, it is important to remember the vital role that medical transport services play in our healthcare system and to honor the memory of those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service of others.

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