Police Helicopter Crashes Near Flagstaff, Killing 2

The helicopter went down while assisting police in responding to an active shooter incident.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:15am

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Two people died on Wednesday evening when a patrol helicopter from the Arizona Department of Public Safety crashed near Flagstaff, Arizona. The helicopter was deployed to assist the Flagstaff Police Department as officers engaged a suspect in an active shooting incident. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.

Why it matters

Helicopter crashes involving law enforcement are rare but can have devastating consequences. This incident raises questions about the risks and protocols involved when police deploy air support during dangerous active shooter situations.

The details

The helicopter crashed in the Flagstaff area while the pilot and a paramedic trooper were assisting the Flagstaff Police Department's response to an active shooter. The suspect suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken into custody, but the two people on board the helicopter were killed in the crash.

  • The helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday evening, February 5, 2026.

The players

Arizona Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency that deployed the patrol helicopter that crashed.

Flagstaff Police Department

The local police department that was responding to the active shooter incident and requested air support from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

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What’s next

The FAA and NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the helicopter crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when deploying air support during active emergency situations, and the need for continued safety improvements and training to protect both officers and the public.