NTSB Releases Report on Reach Air Crash; Fort Bragg Lions To Launch Thanksgiving Love Package from the Coast

Paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis was the one who called the Mayday after noticing the power had gone out—just moments before the Reach helicopter crashed in Sacramento on Oct. 6. The crash severely injured Davis, pilot Chad Millward, and flight nurse Suzie Smith. Smith succumbed to her injuries four days later. Davis and Millward have since been discharged from the hospital.d from the hospital.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on the Reach helicopter crash. According to the findings, the Airbus aircraft climbed to 500 feet before losing power and descending for 11 seconds, ultimately crashing onto State Route 50.

Flight paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis reported that shortly after takeoff, she noticed the power had gone out and the helicopter was autorotating toward the freeway. She issued a mayday call over the company’s Flight Guard frequency. The helicopter came to rest on its left side in the eastbound lanes of U.S. Route 50, approximately 1,600 feet north of the UC Davis Heliport.

The report offers a reassuring sign that both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are actively investigating the crash—despite the ongoing federal shutdown. Speculation had swirled about whether the agencies could carry out their duties, especially given past shutdowns where officials claimed operations continued, only for reporters to later uncover serious investigative lapses.

Albert Nixon is leading the investigation for the NTSB. Chris Waslohn is the FAA’s assigned investigator. The FAA’s role is to support the inquiry through data collection, risk analysis, and information sharing to improve aviation safety. The agency works in tandem with the NTSB to determine the probable cause of the accident.

The report notes that the helicopter’s fuselage has been retained for further investigation. It does not speculate on the cause of the crash or the power failure described by the NTSB. However, it does provide the following additional details about the incident:

“A main rotor blade strike impression was observed on the residential side of the fence that enclosed the highway. Furthermore, a section of the outer portion of the main rotor blade was discovered embedded in the roof of a detached garage on a residential home located next to the highway. A review of ADS-B data revealed that the helicopter took off and climbed to a maximum altitude of about 500 ft mean sea level. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter was in descent for about the final 11 seconds of the flight.”

And yes—this is a local story for the Mendocino Coast. Reach is in the air all day, every day across Northern California. They come to our fog-bound, far-flung coastline often—sometimes three times in a single hour. Other weeks, no one is carried away for desperately needed care. But when the call comes, they’re there—like Superman and Superwoman, leaping into their phone booth-sized hospital room and launching into the sky. Most often, they lift off from Willits or Santa Rosa, but they’ll come from anywhere when we need them.

The Fort Bragg Lions Club is organizing a Thanksgiving CARE package for Reach Air Medical Services—to show just how deeply our community values these lifesavers. Reach crews come to Fort Bragg often, answering urgent calls from our remote coastline with skill and compassion.

We plan to send the package during Thanksgiving week, and we’re inviting community members to contribute letters and cards as part of this gesture of gratitude. It’s our way of saying: we see you, we thank you, and we’re with you.

Enough money has been raised for postage to send the package. We want to send a thank you to the whole organization and a few small gifts from the Coast for the two survivors and the family of the person who died.

The preliminary NTSB report is attached. 

Our previous coverage Nurse Suzie Smith dies from injuries. Show Up for REACH: Build the Mendocino Coast Care Package

So as you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, take a moment to think of those who fly into danger so others might live. Think of the crew who lifted off that October night—of Margaret “DeDe” Davis, of Chad Millward, of Suzie Smith, whose final flight was one of service.

Keep them in your hearts. Keep them in your prayers.

And if you feel moved, join us. Write a note. Send a card. Add your voice to the chorus of gratitude rising from the Mendocino Coast. We’ll make sure your message flies with our CARE package—carried on the same winds that once brought Reach to our aid.

If you wish to help make checks out to the Fort Bragg Lions Club. You can note Reach on the check.

Mail the check (but dont make out any checks to us) to Frank Hartzell 24700 Park Drive , Fort Bragg, CA 95437