A tragic incident unfolded on November 8, 2025, when a Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter crashes near the Cumberland River in Wilson County, Tennessee. The search for survivors is actively underway as emergency responders coordinate efforts to secure the crash site and provide assistance.
According to reports, the crash occurred shortly after 2:30 PM local time near the rural area around Cairo Bend Road, situated between the towns of Gallatin and Lebanon. The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office quickly took to social media, urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes to allow emergency personnel to operate safely and efficiently.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirmed the heartbreaking news that three crew members were on board the helicopter at the time of the accident. Tragically, one crew member died from injuries sustained in the crash, while two others remain in critical condition and are currently receiving medical care at Vanderbilt University Hospital. No patients were aboard the helicopter during the incident.
John Howser, Chief Communications Officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, expressed deep sorrow over the accident. “Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with our Vanderbilt LifeFlight colleagues, their families, and loved ones during this difficult time,” he stated, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the LifeFlight team.
The helicopter involved was identified as Vanderbilt LifeFlight One, operated by Air Methods LLC and based out of the Sumner County EMS headquarters. Authorities, including the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are conducting joint investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Capt. Scott Moore of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the NTSB is actively probing the circumstances leading to the accident.
#BREAKING LifeFlight helicopter crashes in Wilson County, Tennessee, sheriff’s office says; rescue operations underway. pic.twitter.com/ngJTnUucSr
— Fast News Network (@fastnewsnet) November 8, 2025
Flight records indicate that the Eurocopter EC130T2 helicopter took off from Music City Executive Airport and was in flight for approximately eight minutes before crashing at the scene. Officials have described the crash site as being located in an open field, somewhat isolated from main roadways.
Representative Scott DesJarlais expressed his condolences and urged the public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers. He also encouraged motorists to use alternative routes to avoid hindering emergency operations.
Vanderbilt LifeFlight operates a fleet of nine medical helicopters staffed by specially trained medical teams to provide critical air transport throughout the region. This tragic event marks a somber moment for the medical transport community and the Nashville area, highlighting the inherent risks faced by emergency personnel who respond to critical situations via air transport.
The FAA last reported that registered medical helicopters in the U.S. transported more than 370,000 patients and logged over half a million flight hours annually, with accidents occurring at a rate of about 1.75 incidents per 100,000 flight hours.
The investigation is currently active, and updates will be communicated as more details emerge. The community continues to stand in support of the LifeFlight team during this difficult time.