Police Helicopter Crashes During Active Shooter Response, Killing 2

Pilot and trooper paramedic died in the evening crash in Flagstaff, Arizona

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:31pm

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

Why it matters

Police helicopters play a critical role in responding to dangerous active shooter situations, but this tragic crash highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement aviation units. The loss of life is devastating for the department and the local community.

The details

The Ranger helicopter crew was responding to assist the Flagstaff Police Department and other law enforcement agencies when the crash occurred. The names of the trooper and pilot have not been released.

  • The incident happened on Wednesday evening.

The players

Arizona Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency that operated the helicopter involved in the crash.

Flagstaff Police Department

The local police department that requested assistance from the state police helicopter in responding to an active shooter situation.

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What’s next

Authorities will investigate the cause of the crash and provide updates on the identities of the deceased.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the dangers that law enforcement aviation units face when responding to high-risk situations, and the critical role they play in supporting ground officers during active threats to public safety.