Air ambulance helicopter REACH 5 - based in Redding and an important asset for emergencies in Humboldt County - crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento around 7:00 PM tonight. Early information suggests that they were departing from the UC Davis Medical Center rooftop helipad when they abruptly crashed onto the freeway adjacent to the hospital. The pilot and two medical personnel on board are reported to have critical injuries and the images from the scene show severe impact damage to the aircraft, which came to rest on its left side. Those who follow Humboldt scanner traffic are likely very familiar with REACH 5 as they routinely respond to the most serious medical and trauma cases in the most rural parts of the county.