N117NC

On May 19, 2025, at 1941 eastern daylight time, a Eurocopter Deutschland Gmbh BK117-C1, N117NC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot and two passengers’ received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an air medical flight.Just want to clarify if it was air medical or air ambulance?

According to the pilot, the flight originated from at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center North Heliporthelipad (PA39), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was enroute to Wings Field Airport (LOM), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the helicopter’s home base, following the completion of a patient transport mission.

While cruising at an altitude of about 1,300 ft mean sea level and 120 knots indicated airspeed, approximately 3 to 4 nautical miles south of LOM, the helicopter became uncontrollable and began shuddering violently. The pilot reported there were no visual or aural warnings prior to the event. He continued that he experienced a total loss of tail rotor control, including the loss of pedal authority and tail rotor thrust.

The pilot lowered the collective and initiated an autorotation descent. During the descent, he identified a grass field adjacent to a driveway as a suitable forced landing area. The helicopter touched down following a rotation of about 180 degrees. The pilot performed an emergency engine shutdown and applied the rotor brake.

The helicopter wreckage has beenwas retainedcovered for further examination.