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Kingman Today
By the People, for the People
Report cites rotor issue in fatal Arizona police helicopter crash
Preliminary investigation finds mechanical problem, not gunfire, caused the crash that killed 2 during a shootout
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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A preliminary investigation report released by the National Transportation Safety Board found that a mechanical issue with the main rotor, rather than gunfire, caused a police helicopter to crash in Arizona in February, killing the two people on board. The report details the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including loud banging sounds and a distress call from the pilots before the helicopter went down.
Why it matters
This incident raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of police aviation units, which are often relied upon to provide aerial support during high-risk operations. The findings could prompt further scrutiny of helicopter safety protocols and lead to changes in how these aircraft are deployed and monitored.
The details
According to the NTSB report, the police helicopter was circling back to the scene of a shootout between officers and a suspect when it experienced a malfunction with the main rotor. Three of the four rotor blades separated from the helicopter, and the tail boom and vertical fin showed signs of impact from the rotor blades. The report indicates the pilots likely lost control of the aircraft once the rotor system became compromised, leading to the fatal crash.
- The helicopter crash occurred on the night of February 4, 2026.
- The NTSB preliminary report was released on March 10, 2026.
- A final NTSB report is expected in a year or more.
The players
Hunter Bennett
A 28-year-old Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper paramedic who was killed in the crash.
Robert Skankey
A 61-year-old pilot who was killed in the crash. Skankey was a longtime resident of Kingman, Arizona, and had worked for the Arizona Department of Public Safety since 2021.
Terrell Storey
A 50-year-old suspect who allegedly exchanged gunfire with officers on the ground, prompting the police helicopter's response.
What they’re saying
“Something uncoupled the rotor system and it did it very quickly. According to the report, it was uncommanded because it's instantaneous and you never do that. So there's a mechanical issue there.”
— John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems (The Associated Press)
What’s next
The NTSB is expected to release a final report on the crash in a year or more, which could provide more definitive answers on the cause of the mechanical failure.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the critical role that police aviation units play in supporting ground operations, as well as the need for rigorous maintenance and safety protocols to ensure the reliability of these specialized aircraft. The findings could lead to changes in how police helicopters are deployed and monitored to prevent similar accidents in the future.
