Helicopter Crash in Sacramento Injures Three Crew Members

UPDATE: Three Critically Injured in Sacramento Medical Helicopter Crash on Highway 50 Near 59th Street Overview Authorities have released new details after a medical helicopter crashed onto the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 near 59th Street in East Sacramento on Monday evening, October 6, 2025. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Airbus EC-130 T2—operated by REACH Air Medical Services—went down just before 7:10 PM, minutes after departing the UC Davis Medical Center heliport on an intended flight to Redding. There were no patients on board at the time. Officials identified the three crew members who sustained critical injuries as: - Chad Millward (pilot) - Margaret “DeDe” Davis (paramedic) - Susan “Suzie” Smith (nurse) All three were transported to UC Davis Medical Center for emergency treatment. The Sacramento Fire Department reported that approximately 15 Good Samaritans helped lift portions of the helicopter to allow firefighters to extricate one of the trapped crew members, a rapid response that may have saved precious minutes during rescue efforts. What Witnesses and Responders Reported Witnesses observed the helicopter losing altitude before striking the freeway. CHP personnel noted that the aircraft’s fuel-resistant system likely prevented a post-crash fire, which helped reduce the risk of secondary injuries and vehicle fires on the freeway. Emergency crews shut down traffic in both directions of Highway 50 for hours as they stabilized the scene, triaged patients, and began the investigation. By early Tuesday morning, all lanes had reopened except for one eastbound lane, which remained closed for cleanup and investigative work. NTSB-Led Investigation The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed the lead in investigating the cause of the crash, with local and state agencies assisting. While early witness accounts referenced a loss of altitude, the precise cause remains undetermined. Aviation investigations typically proceed through a thorough review that may include: - Aircraft maintenance and service records - Pilot qualifications, hours, and medical certifications - Weather and environmental conditions - Air traffic communications and flight data, when available - Wreckage examination and component analysis It can take weeks or months for investigators to release factual updates and significantly longer for a final determination of probable cause. During this period, civil claims may be evaluated based on emerging evidence, but it is important to rely on verified findings rather than speculation about fault. How Roadway Users May Be Affected After an Aviation Incident Aviation incidents on highways create unusual and dangerous conditions for motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike. Even when a crash does not lead to a fire, debris fields, sudden traffic stoppages, and secondary collisions can cause injuries and property damage. If you were a roadway user impacted by this incident—by debris, evasive maneuvers, a chain-reaction collision, or a rear-end crash caused by the sudden stop—you may have claims for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other damages. Immediate Safety Steps for Drivers After a Freeway Incident - Prioritize safety. If your vehicle is drivable, move to a safe shoulder or designated pullout. Activate hazard lights. - Call 911. Report injuries and location details (e.g., Highway 50 eastbound near 59th Street). - Avoid the debris field. Do not approach wreckage or emergency operations. - Document the scene. If safe, take photos or video of vehicle damage, debris patterns, skid marks, and traffic signage. - Exchange information. Obtain names, insurance details, and contact information from involved motorists and witnesses. - Seek medical evaluation. Some injuries manifest hours or days later; prompt care helps protect health and documents your claim. Important California Accident Reporting Requirements - DMV Form SR-1: California drivers must file an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days of a collision involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, regardless of fault. - Insurance notification: Promptly notify your insurer. Delays can affect coverage for repairs, medical payments (MedPay), rental, and towing. - Government claims: If a claim may involve a public entity (for example, allegations concerning road design or emergency response), California Government Code sets a six-month deadline to file a government claim before any lawsuit. - Statute of limitations: For most injury claims, California generally provides two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Deadlines can vary based on claim type and parties involved. Insurance Coverages That May Help - Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): If you were hit by