Medical Helicopter Crashes in North Carolina, Crew Hospitalized

PENDER COUNTY, NC — A Novant Health AirLink helicopter crashed Monday night near the Pender-New Hanover county line, prompting a swift response from emergency services. The incident occurred on Holly Shelter Road, and no patients were aboard the aircraft at the time.

Three crew members were onboard and have since been transported to a hospital for evaluation, according to statements from Novant Health. Their condition is currently unknown, but initial reports indicate that no serious injuries have been reported.

Julian March, a spokesman for Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, emphasized the organization’s priority regarding the incident. “We are focused on the well-being of the flight crew, their families and our team members,” March said. “We are still in the initial response and information gathering phase at this time and have limited information to share. We appreciate the prompt assistance from all area first responders who are assisting us tonight.”

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all crew members are accounted for and that some may have sustained minor injuries. Witnesses on the scene reported seeing emergency medical services transporting crew members from the site, some on stretchers.

The helicopter’s make and model have not been disclosed yet. Novant Health is expected to release further details regarding the incident on Tuesday.

This helicopter crash comes less than a month after a fatal incident involving a medical flight in North Carolina on January 31, where all six individuals onboard were killed, along with one person on the ground. The recent increase in incidents has raised concerns about aviation safety, with trust in air travel reportedly declining; a recent survey indicated that only 64 percent of Americans felt that air travel is “very safe” or “somewhat safe,” down from 71 percent the previous year.

As investigations continue, the aviation community remains on alert as incidents have shaken confidence in air safety, particularly in light of several notable accidents that have occurred in early 2025.