Bell 407 Air Medical Helicopter Damaged in Dallas Helipad Accident

A Bell 407 helicopter, registration N652AE, was substantially damaged during departure from the Baylor Medical Center helipad in Dallas on May 12, 2026. The aircraft, operated by Air Evac EMS Inc. as a Part 135 air medical flight, was carrying a pilot and two medical crew members. No patients were aboard, and no injuries were reported.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot attempted to contact Dallas Love Field Airport tower for Class B airspace clearance but received no response. To improve radio reception, the pilot lifted the aircraft into a hover. Surveillance footage showed the helicopter turning right and drifting backward, during which the tail rotor struck a camera mounted on the building.

The pilot reported hearing a "loud crack" and feeling a jolt in the pedals before landing back on the helipad and shutting down the engine. The impact damaged the tail rotor blades and pitch change links. The NTSB is investigating the accident under case number CEN26LA185.