This article summarizes reporting by Wiregrass Daily News and Sharla Fletcher.

Medical Helicopters Crash in Evergreen, Alabama Leaves Three Crew Members Injured

A medical helicopter crashed in a residential area of Evergreen, Alabama, on Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2026. Emergency responders arrived at the scene near the local hospital shortly after the incident occurred. While the aircraft sustained significant damage, initial reports indicate that all three crew members on board survived the impact.

According to reporting by Wiregrass Daily News, the crash took place at approximately 3:12 p.m. CST. The site of the accident was identified as a yard on South Main Street, in close proximity to the Evergreen Medical Center in Conecuh County. Authorities have confirmed that no patient was on board the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Incident Details and Emergency Response

Evergreen Fire and Rescue responded immediately to the distress call. Upon arrival, crews secured the scene and attended to the flight crew. Local reporting indicates that the helicopter was occupied by a pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight medic. All three were transported for medical treatment, and their injuries have been described as non-life-threatening.

The crash has necessitated significant road closures in the area to facilitate the investigation and wreckage recovery. Evergreen Fire and Rescue issued a statement regarding the traffic impact:

“The roadway from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Evergreen Medical Center will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time.”

, Evergreen Fire and Rescue (via Wiregrass Daily News)

Local law enforcement and emergency management agencies are urging residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues.

Context and Safety Background

This incident marks a significant safety event for air medical services in the region. While the specific operator was identified in reports as the local EMS service, the helicopter serves a critical role in trauma transport for rural Conecuh County.

It is important to distinguish this event from previous aviation incidents in the state. Alabama saw high-profile medical helicopter crashes in 2022 and 2023. However, this crash on February 22, 2026, is a distinct event where, fortunately, there were no fatalities.

AirPro News Analysis

Following a civil aviation accident of this nature, a standard investigative timeline is triggered. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) typically assume jurisdiction over the investigation.

Based on standard NTSB procedures, we expect a preliminary report to be released within 14 to 30 days. This initial document usually contains factual data regarding weather conditions, the flight path, and aircraft information, but it does not determine probable cause. A final report, which analyzes the cause of the crash and offers safety recommendations, generally takes 12 to 24 months to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was there a patient on board?
No. Reports confirm that only the three crew members (pilot, nurse, medic) were on board at the time of the crash.

What is the condition of the crew?
The three crew members sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening and were treated following the crash.

Is the road still closed?
As of the latest updates on Sunday evening, South Main Street remains closed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Evergreen Medical Center for an undetermined period.

Sources

• Wiregrass Daily News
• Evergreen Fire and Rescue
• Rickey Stokes News

This article summarizes reporting by WTOC and verified flight data.

Delta Flight Engine Failure Sparks Grass Fire at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

On Monday, February 22, 2026, emergency personnel at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) responded to a grass fire near the runway edge, which was reportedly ignited by an engine malfunction on a departing Commercial-Aircraft. The incident involved Delta Air Lines Flight 1067, which was forced to return to the airport shortly after takeoff.

According to reporting by WTOC, airport officials confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze. While the fire caused temporary operational disruptions, including flight diversions and a ground stop, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

The event highlights the critical role of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) teams in managing runway Safety incidents. We have compiled the verified details regarding the flight, the subsequent fire, and the operational impact on regional air travel below.

Incident Details and Flight 1067

The incident began when Delta Flight 1067, a Boeing 737-900 service bound for Atlanta (ATL), experienced a mechanical issue during its departure from Savannah. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft took off but encountered engine trouble almost immediately.

Witnesses on the ground and passengers onboard described a startling sequence of events. According to local reports, observers noted a loud noise followed by visible flames. One passenger account cited by local outlets described the sensation of a “blow” followed by a “fireball.”

The heat or debris from the engine malfunction reportedly ignited dry grass adjacent to the runway, triggering the fire. The flight crew declared an emergency and executed a safe return to SAV, where the aircraft landed without further incident.

“Airport officials have confirmed that emergency personnel are responding to a grass fire on the edge of a runway…”

, WTOC

Advertisement

Operational Impact and Diversions

The emergency response required a temporary suspension of flight operations to ensure the safety of the airfield and allow fire crews to extinguish the grass fire. Reports indicate that a ground stop was in effect until approximately 8:00 PM local time.

This disruption forced air traffic controllers to reroute incoming aircraft. At least two flights scheduled to land at SAV were diverted to Charleston International Airport (CHS). Additionally, several other flights experienced delays or cancellations as the Airports worked to clear the scene and inspect the runway for debris or damage.

AirPro News analysis

Runway Safety Areas and Vegetation Management

While grass fires at airports are relatively rare, they represent a known risk in aviation safety, particularly during dry conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates Runway Safety Areas (RSA), defined surfaces surrounding the runway prepared or suitable for reducing the risk of damage to airplanes. However, the vegetation within these zones must be managed carefully.

In this instance, the rapid ignition of grass suggests dry environmental conditions, which can turn superheated engine exhaust or hot debris into an immediate fire hazard. The successful containment of the fire by SAV’s ARFF units demonstrates the effectiveness of rapid response protocols. Had the fire spread uncontrolled, it could have obscured visibility for other pilots or damaged ground infrastructure.

Historical Context and Safety Record

It is important to distinguish this mechanical incident from recent weather-related disruptions in the region. In late January 2026, “Winter Storm Fern” caused widespread cancellations across the Southeast; however, the February 22 event was an isolated occurrence linked specifically to the aircraft’s mechanical failure.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport generally maintains a strong safety record. While minor general aviation incidents have occurred in the past, such as a small engine fire involving a Piper PA-28 in 2019, commercial Airlines emergencies involving engine failures and subsequent ground fires are infrequent at this location.

Delta Air Lines has not issued a widespread public press release regarding this specific flight at the time of writing, which is standard for incidents where no injuries occur and the aircraft returns safely. Typically, the airline focuses on rebooking affected passengers and cooperating with federal investigators, such as the FAA, to determine the root cause of the engine failure.

Sources: WTOC, WSAV, FlightAware

This article is based on an official press release from the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS Implements Emergency Measures as Shutdown Enters Second Week

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the immediate implementation of “emergency measures” to conserve resources as the partial government shutdown enters its second week. In an official press release issued on February 22, 2026, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem outlined significant operational changes affecting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Effective as of 6:00 AM ET on February 22, the department has suspended non-essential services to prioritize life-saving missions and national security. The funding lapse, which began on February 14, 2026, has forced the agency to reallocate personnel and resources. Secretary Noem explicitly framed the decision as a necessary response to what the department terms “Democrats’ Shutdown,” citing a lack of appropriated funds from Congress.

These measures arrive at a critical moment, coinciding with a severe winter storm forecast to impact the Northeast United States. The operational shifts are expected to have immediate effects on disaster response capabilities, international travel processing, and congressional privileges at the nation’s Airports.

Operational Impacts on Safety and Travel

The emergency measures target specific areas of DHS operations where resources can be diverted to core security functions. According to the DHS announcement, the primary goal is to mitigate risk while operating without a confirmed budget.

FEMA Shifts to Life-Saving Response Only

With a major winter storm bearing down on the I-95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, FEMA has been directed to halt all non-disaster-related response efforts. The agency will exclusively focus on immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.

This restriction limits FEMA’s ability to perform long-term recovery work or administrative support during the blizzard conditions expected between February 21 and 23. Resources are being strictly prioritized for active emergency response to ensure that personnel are available for the most critical incidents.

Global Entry Suspended; PreCheck Remains Active

Travelers returning to the United States will face immediate changes at customs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended the Global Entry program. Officers who typically staff these expedited processing lanes have been reassigned to process the general traveling population. This move aims to manage staffing shortages caused by the furloughing of non-essential support staff.

While initial reports suggested that TSA PreCheck might also be suspended, the Transportation Security Administration clarified its stance following industry feedback. PreCheck remains operational for now, though the agency warned that service availability could be adjusted on a “case-by-case basis” depending on staffing levels at individual airports.

Context of the Political Standoff

The current funding lapse represents the second government shutdown of 2026, following a brief closure earlier in the year. The stalemate is rooted in a deep political divide regarding immigration enforcement and accountability for federal agents.

Origins of the Dispute

The shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after Congress failed to pass funding legislation for the DHS. The legislative gridlock stems from demands by Congressional Democrats for significant reforms to immigration enforcement tactics. These demands follow two high-profile fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year: the January 7 death of Renée Good and the January 24 death of Alex Pretti.

In her statement regarding the emergency measures, Secretary Noem criticized the legislative holdout, emphasizing the operational strain on the department.

“This is the third time that Democrat politicians have shut down this department during the 119th Congress. Shutdowns have real world consequences… The American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians.”

, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, via official press release

Congressional Privileges Revoked

In a move that directly impacts lawmakers, the TSA has suspended all courtesy and family police escorts for Members of Congress at airports. The DHS rationale for this decision is that these escorts divert essential staff away from the critical mission of screening the general public. By eliminating this privilege, the department states it can better allocate its limited workforce to passenger security checkpoints.

AirPro News Analysis

The specific selection of emergency measures suggests a strategy that goes beyond simple resource conservation. By suspending Global Entry, a program popular with frequent business travelers, and revoking congressional escorts, the DHS appears to be targeting operational pain points that will be immediately felt by influential constituencies and lawmakers themselves.

Furthermore, the timing of the FEMA restriction is significant. By announcing a “life-saving only” limitation during a major winter storm, the department underscores the tangible risks of the funding lapse to the public. This approach places heightened pressure on Congress to resolve the standoff, as the visible degradation of airport efficiency and disaster readiness creates political urgency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TSA PreCheck suspended?
No. Although initial discussions suggested a suspension, TSA has clarified that PreCheck remains operational. However, travelers should be prepared for potential closures at specific checkpoints due to staffing shortages.

How does this affect the winter storm response?
FEMA is prioritizing immediate life-saving efforts. Long-term recovery projects and non-emergency administrative functions are paused to ensure resources are available for the blizzard impacting the Northeast.

Why was Global Entry suspended?
CBP officers assigned to Global Entry have been redeployed to general customs lines to help process the broader volume of travelers, compensating for workforce limitations during the shutdown.

Sources

• Department of Homeland Security