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.