UPDATE: A tragic medical helicopter crash in Wilson County, Tennessee, has left one person dead and two others critically injured. The accident occurred around 2:00 PM on November 9, 2025, when a LifeFlight helicopter operated by Vanderbilt University Medical Center crashed into a field near Cairo Bend Road, approximately 30 miles east of Nashville.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after the Airbus EC130T2 helicopter, which had departed from Music City Executive Airport, went down just eight minutes into its flight. According to officials, the helicopter was carrying three crew members—a pilot, a nurse, and an EMT—when the crash occurred. Tragically, one crew member lost their life, while the other two have been transported to Vanderbilt University Hospital for critical care.
In an official statement, Vanderbilt University Medical Center expressed their sorrow:
“Vanderbilt University Medical Center is deeply saddened to confirm that a Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter was involved in an accident this afternoon in Wilson County. Tragically, one crew member lost their life, and two others are in critical condition and receiving care at Vanderbilt University Hospital.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now involved in determining what went wrong. Authorities have confirmed that there were no patients on board at the time of the accident.
Witnesses in the area expressed shock as the normally quiet community grappled with the tragic event. One local reported that they saw the helicopter go down and assisted with the rescue efforts. “The helicopter was sitting on its side, almost rolled over. It didn’t catch on fire or anything, it wasn’t burning, but it did have a lot of damage,” the witness recounted to local media.
The Wilson County Fire Department shared their condolences, stating:
“Our hearts are heavy tonight in Wilson County. We mourn the loss of a dedicated LifeFlight crew member and pray for healing for those injured.”
As the investigation continues, community members are left to process the emotional impact of this devastating incident. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, but updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for further developments on this breaking story as it unfolds.
