Arizona Helicopter Crash Kills Pilot and Trooper During Shooter Response

The aircraft was responding to assist officers with an active shooter situation when it went down.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:15am

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An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter responding to assist officers with an active shooter situation in Flagstaff has crashed, killing both the pilot and a trooper who was a paramedic on board, authorities said.

Why it matters

Helicopter crashes involving law enforcement are rare but can have devastating consequences, highlighting the dangers first responders face when responding to high-risk incidents. This incident will likely prompt investigations into the cause of the crash and reviews of helicopter safety protocols.

The details

The Ranger helicopter crew was responding to help the Flagstaff Police Department and other law enforcement agencies on Wednesday night when the crash occurred. The identities of the pilot and trooper have not been released.

  • The helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday night.

The players

Arizona Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency whose helicopter was involved in the fatal crash.

Flagstaff Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that the Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter was responding to assist with an active shooter situation.

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What’s next

Investigators will work to determine the cause of the helicopter crash and review safety procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel when responding to dangerous situations in order to protect the public.