The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published its initial report regarding a helicopter accident that resulted in the deaths of two Arizona Department of Public Safety crewmembers last month.
Pilot Robert Skankey, aged 61, and trooper paramedic Hunter Bennett, aged 28, lost their lives when the DPS’ Ranger 56 helicopter went down on the evening of February 4 while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff.
According to the report, the helicopter took off from Kingman shortly after 9 p.m. and reached Flagstaff approximately one hour later. It began to ascend above the neighborhood but altered its course to allow a medical helicopter to approach Flagstaff Medical Center.
Officials indicated that during this period, the crew maintained communication with ground law enforcement and encountered no issues.
Nevertheless, as the helicopter initiated a gradual ascent, it unexpectedly began to rotate rapidly to the right. The report mentions that two “banging sounds” were heard, and Bennett communicated, “we’re going down,” as the helicopter descended rapidly. The wreckage of the helicopter was located on a dirt road north of Flagstaff Airport.
The primary wreckage discovered included the cockpit, cabin, and the aft fuselage, which is the rear part of the helicopter. Officials observed that the cockpit and cabin sustained fire damage.
The tail rotor, vertical stabilizer, main rotor hub and transmission, several rotor blades, and a section of the tailboom all separated from the helicopter and were found dispersed around the main wreck site. Officials noted that the blades were lightly covered with an “orange/yellow oil film.”
Investigators reported that the chaotic scene originated from a domestic violence call near Historic Route 66, situated between Thompson Street and Mark Lane. The suspect, Terrell Storey, opened fire on law enforcement as “dozens and dozens” of rounds were exchanged.
Throughout the prolonged standoff, Storey moved from roof to roof within the neighborhood, continuing to fire at law enforcement.
Ranger 56’s helicopter crew departed from Kingman to support Flagstaff police. Tragically, during this operation, the helicopter crashed, resulting in the deaths of the crew.