PennSTAR 1 emergency landing

UPenn PennSTAR | May 19, 2025 | Fort Washington, PA

PennSTAR 1 (N117NC) , based at Wings Field, had to make an emergency landing while enroute to home base from Penn Presby in Philadelphia. Total trip from Presby to Wings Field is about 13 miles, the BK117 was about 2 miles south of the base when the emergency occurred. ADS-B data shows a drop from 1400 feet cruise altitude to 400 feet in just 16 seconds.

Reports indicate the tail rotor was found not far from the landing area. An amazing job by the pilot to get this aircraft on the ground safely with no harm to the crew or to anyone on the ground.

Mercy Flight opens base in Wellsville, NY

Mercy Flight | May 16, 2025 | Wellsville, NY

Mercy Flight has started partial coverage in Wellsville, NY, based at Wellsville Municipal Airport. This base expansion, during peak recreational season, will place a Bell 429 in Allegany County. Operating hours will be 12 hours per day, Thursday through Sunday. The base started operations on May 16, 2025.

In addition to the Wellsville base, Mercy Flight operates three other Bell 429s from bases in Olean, Buffalo, and Batavia. 

Photo by: Mercy Flight