Davis was part of a crew of three struck on Highway 50
October 06, 2025 | Sacramento, CA
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What Happened in the Sacramento Helicopter Crash?
A medical helicopter carrying a crew of three crashed in Sacramento, California, resulting in critical injuries to all on board. The accident happened along Highway 50 near Stockton Boulevard, with no ground vehicles affected.
Margaret “DeDe” Davis, a paramedic, was critically injured when the REACH Air medical helicopter crashed onto Highway 50 near Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento.
- Location: Highway 50 near Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA
- Incident Date: October 6, 2025
- Incident Time: Approximately 7 p.m.
- Aircraft: Airbus EC130 T2 medical helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services
- Crew: Pilot, paramedic, and nurse, all critically injured and taken to UC Davis Medical Center
- Injured Party: Paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis, critically injured
The air ambulance went down soon after departing from UC Davis Medical Center. This single-engine light utility helicopter has been operational since July 2021, per Federal Aviation Administration records.
What Injuries Were Reported in the Crash?
All crew members sustained critical injuries. Those who survive helicopter accidents frequently endure serious harm, including spinal fractures and multiple traumas, often needing ongoing medical treatment and recovery support.
What Is the Status of the Crash Investigation?
Officials are probing the reasons behind the crash. The inquiry will assess possible contributors such as pilot mistakes, equipment malfunctions, or design flaws in the aircraft.
Why Do Helicopter Accidents Happen?
Helicopter incidents may stem from multiple elements, ranging from operator errors to technical problems and external conditions. The United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) notes that the US helicopter accident rate has improved, yet accidents persist.
According to the USHST, there were 78 helicopter accidents in the US in 2024, with 11 being fatal and resulting in 26 deaths.
3
For air medical helicopters specifically, 2024 saw nine accidents, two of which were fatal.
5
Common Causes of Helicopter Crashes |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Pilot Error |
Mistakes due to fatigue, poor judgment, or insufficient training during operations. |
Weitz & Luxenberg
3
|
Mechanical Failure |
Problems with engines, rotors, or parts from inadequate maintenance or faults. |
Weitz & Luxenberg
3
|
Weather Conditions |
Bad weather, reduced visibility, or hitting obstacles. |
Weitz & Luxenberg
3
|
Loss of Tail Rotor Function |
Tail rotor breakdown causing control loss. |
Robb & Robb
10
|
Component or System Failure |
Malfunctions in electrical, fuel, or other systems. |
Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy |
Expert Insights
Newsline includes perspectives from national legal analysts to offer broad guidance on events like helicopter crashes.
“Helicopter crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents. An attorney can advocate for a grieving family hiring expert witnesses, locating witnesses to the crash, while working with the NTSB and other investigating agencies. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
— Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal
- Key Takeaway: Legal support can assist in managing the intricacies of aviation incidents, safeguarding interests.
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”
— Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal
- Key Takeaway: Filing claims may secure funds for medical and emotional recovery needs.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).