Fri Apr 25 18:00:00 UTC 2025: **ARCH Air Medical Helicopter Crashes in Illinois; Crew Members Injured**
HARTFORD, Ill. (October 27, 2023) – An ARCH Air Medical helicopter crashed Thursday night in Hartford, Illinois, resulting in injuries to all three crew members on board. The MMB-BK 117 helicopter went down around 9:20 p.m. while departing from a Hartford fire station after a training exercise.
Air Methods, the parent company of ARCH, confirmed the incident and stated that all three crew members were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. On Friday, the company released a statement saying that the injuries were non-life-threatening and the crew members are in stable condition. The company pledged to support its employees and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
The Hartford Fire Department indicated on social media that the helicopter was participating in a training event at the station prior to the crash. The cause of the accident remains unknown.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident and anticipates releasing a preliminary report within one business day. Multiple fire and police departments from the surrounding area responded to the scene. Illinois State Representative Amy Elik has also publicly expressed concern and called for prayers for the injured crew.
First Piper 