FAA, NTSB to investigate medical helicopter crash in Pender County

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash of a Novant Health Airlink helicopter crash that occurred late Monday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 pm near Holly Shelter Road.

A Novant Health spokesperson said the helicopter involved, a Eurocopter EC-135, had departed Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and was returning to its base at Albert J Ellis Airport in Onslow County when the crash happened.

3 Novant Health employees, a pilot, a registered nurse and a paramedic, were on board.

EMS transported all 3 to the hospital for evaluation and are reported to be in fair condition.

No patients were on board.

In a statement sent to WWAY, Novant said:

“We are deeply grateful for the compassionate care and swift response demonstrated by area first responders and our team members following the recent helicopter incident. The flight crew included an Apollo MedFlight pilot, a critical care registered nurse and a critical care paramedic who are employed by Novant Health. We are pleased to share that all individuals involved are currently in fair condition. Our primary concern remains the well-being of our team members, patients and their families. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community.”

The NTSB said the helicopter was substantially damaged.

Their investigation will look at the pilot, the helicopter and the operating environment.

Novant said they and their aviation partner, Apollo Medflight, will fully cooperate with the investigation.

A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within 30 days, while the full report