Trending Now - NTSB Identifies Rotor Issue in Fatal Arizona Police Helicopter Crash

WHO:

Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper-paramedic Hunter Bennett, age 28

Pilot Robert Skankey, age 61

Terrell Storey, age 50, suspect in the incident

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

John Cox, aviation safety expert and CEO of Safety Operating Systems

WHAT:

A police helicopter crash occurred during a pursuit of an active shooter, resulting in the deaths of Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey.

The helicopter, a Bell 407 known as Ranger 56, experienced a rapid rotation and descent before crashing.

Bennett radioed, "We're going down," before the crash.

The NTSB report indicated a significant mechanical problem with the main rotor, with no evidence of gunfire.

Three of the four rotor blades were found 165 feet (50 meters) away from the main wreckage, and the fourth was 650 feet (200 meters) away.

Storey was indicted on February 12th, 2026, on two counts of first-degree felony murder and numerous other charges.

WHERE:

The crash occurred in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The incident involved a residential neighborhood where the gunfight took place.

WHEN:

The helicopter crash occurred on February 4th, 2026.

Storey was indicted on February 12th, 2026.

Storey’s arraignment took place on February 23rd, 2026.

The next hearing in Storey's case is scheduled for April 16th, 2026.

WHY:

The helicopter was responding to a domestic violence call and was providing aerial support during a gunfight with Terrell Storey, who was firing a semi-automatic rifle.

HOW:

The helicopter was circling above the scene at approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) when it began to malfunction.

The NTSB report noted that the main rotor speed dropped from 97% to 0% in less than a second, and engine torque dropped from 60% to 2%.

Witnesses reported taking cover in their homes during the gunfire exchange.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 13:27 UTC)

In a tragic incident on February 4, 2026, a police helicopter crash in Flagstaff, Arizona, claimed the lives of 28-year-old trooper-paramedic Hunter Bennett and 61-year-old pilot Robert Skankey while responding to a domestic violence call involving suspect Terrell Storey. The helicopter, known as Ranger 56, experienced a rapid malfunction, with the National Transportation Safety Board reporting a significant mechanical issue with the main rotor, which led to its descent and crash, while witnesses described taking cover during the gunfire exchange. Storey, who was indicted on February 12 for two counts of first-degree felony murder, is scheduled for his next hearing on April 16, 2026.