(Updated Sat. 11/8/2025 4:32PM) WGNS has received confirmation of a tragic LifeFlight helicopter crash that occurred around 2:00 o’clock Saturday afternoon in an open field near Old Hickory Lake in neighboring Wilson County. Authorities now confirm that one person has died. The crash site is located off Cairo Bend Road, where emergency responders quickly arrived. Two others on board were airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center and are listed in critical condition. The helicopter was carrying a pilot, a flight paramedic, and a flight nurse.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash of the Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter—an Airbus EC130T2—near Lebanon. It was based at Sumner County EMS, the aircraft carried three crew members and no patients. Sumner County officials asked the community to keep the team and their families in prayer.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center released this statement: 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is deeply saddened to confirm that a Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter was involved in an accident this afternoon in Wilson County. Three crew members were on board. Tragically, one crew member lost their life, and two others are in critical condition and receiving care at Vanderbilt University Hospital. No patients were on board at the time of the incident. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with our Vanderbilt LifeFlight colleagues, their families, and loved ones during this difficult time.

At this time, the FAA and NTSB are on the scene initiating a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Names of those involved are being withheld pending notification of family members. WGNS will continue to follow this developing story.

(Updated Sat. 11/8/2025 4:07PM) A LifeFlight helicopter carrying medical personnel crashed Saturday afternoon in Wilson County, Tennessee, prompting a swift and coordinated response from emergency crews. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. in an open field surrounded by trees, near Old Hickory Lake and the Summit at Harbor Pointe subdivision off Cairo Bend Road in the Lebanon area.

Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Captain Scott Moore confirmed that the helicopter was transporting nurses and a pilot when it went down. First responders from multiple agencies converged on the scene, working urgently to free those trapped in the wreckage and secure the area for rescue operations.

Authorities have asked motorists to avoid the vicinity of Cairo Bend Road to allow emergency teams to operate safely and efficiently. The crash site, located in the 7100 block of Cairo Bend Road, is south of the Gallatin Airport and close to residential neighborhoods, intensifying the urgency of the response.

As of Saturday afternoon, the situation remains fluid. Crews are focused on rescue and recovery, with the condition of those onboard still unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Updates on the condition of the pilot and nurses are anticipated as officials release more information.

(Sat. 11/8/2025, 2:23PM) Wilson County, TN - A LifeFlight helicopter has crashed in neighboring Wilson County, prompting an urgent response from emergency crews working to rescue the pilot and nurses onboard. The crash occurred Saturday afternoon around 2 p.m. in an open field surrounded by trees and near Old Hickory Lake. It is in the vicinity of Cairo Bend Road, near the Summit at Harbor Pointe subdivision in the Lebanon area.

Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Captain Scott Moore confirmed the helicopter was carrying medical personnel when it went down. First responders are actively working to free those trapped in the wreckage, coordinating efforts across multiple agencies to manage the scene and secure the area.

The LifeFlight helicopter is stationed at the Gallatin Airport, and the crash site is south of the airport. 

As of Saturday afternoon, the situation remains fluid, with crews focused on rescue and recovery. More details are expected as the investigation unfolds and officials release updates on the condition of those involved. NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed.