Sacramento Medical Helicopter Crash on Highway 50 Critically Injures 3
SACRAMENTO, California — Three medical crew members are in critical condition after a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter crashed onto Highway 50 in Sacramento on Monday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Helicopter Crashes During Routine Flight
Officials said the crash occurred around 7 p.m. on the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 near Stockton Boulevard, forcing the freeway to close for several hours. The area remained blocked until shortly after 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, as crews worked to secure the site and clear debris.
The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed that no patient was aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash. The three-person crew included a pilot, a paramedic, and a flight nurse — all of whom were transported to UC Davis Medical Center, where they remain in critical condition.
Dash camera video shows the moment a REACH medical helicopter crashes on Highway 50 in Sacramento on Monday evening.
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Flight Nurse Identified
Friends have identified one of the injured as Suzie Smith, a longtime REACH Air flight nurse based in Redding. Smith is widely known for her volunteer work, including annual trips to Nicaragua, where she assisted with cleft palate surgeries.
“She’s one of those exceptional people who uses her skills to help others,” said Mary Beaver, a close friend. “She even pays her own way to help people in need overseas.”
Her pastor, Travis Osborne, said Smith suffered multiple serious injuries, including brain swelling, and remains in critical condition. “We’re praying for a miracle,” Osborne told reporters. “It’s dire — but we believe God hears our prayers.”
Bystanders Rushed to Help
Authorities praised the actions of bystanders who rushed into the crash site to help firefighters and paramedics. According to Fire Captain Justin Sylvia, around 15 people helped lift the helicopter off a trapped crew member before emergency responders arrived.
“It shows a sense of community,” Sylvia said. “When something like this happens, people step up. This was one of those moments.”
No other vehicles were hit, and officials confirmed that no fire ignited from the wreckage — a situation that could have made the crash far more catastrophic.
Flight Path and Investigation
According to Flightradar24 data, the helicopter departed Redding Regional Airport at 5:05 p.m., made brief stops in Red Bluff and at UC Davis Medical Center, and then took off again around 7:05 p.m. Moments later, the aircraft disappeared from radar over Highway 50.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that the helicopter may have been attempting an emergency landing, though officials have not confirmed that detail.
Videos shared online appear to show the helicopter flying low over the freeway moments before it went down.
Statement from REACH Air Medical Services
In a public statement, REACH Air Medical Services said:
“We are aware of an accident involving a REACH Air Medical helicopter on Highway 50 in Sacramento this evening and are keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers. We are in the process of determining the details of this situation and will continue to provide information as it becomes available.”
Officials say all three injured crew members remain under intensive care.
For ongoing updates on this developing story and California emergency response coverage, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.