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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 helicopter to go down during shootout
Published on Mar. 11, 2026
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A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board indicates that a mechanical issue with the main rotor, rather than gunfire, caused an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter to crash and kill the two people on board during a police shootout in February 2026. The report found no evidence of ballistic damage, and pointed to a problem that quickly uncoupled the rotor system, leading to the uncontrolled spin and crash.
Why it matters
The crash highlighted the dangers that law enforcement aviation crews can face when providing aerial support during high-risk incidents. While the full cause remains under investigation, the preliminary findings suggest the need to closely examine helicopter maintenance and safety protocols, especially when operating in volatile situations.
The details
According to the NTSB report, the helicopter's radio captured two loud banging sounds and a distress call of "we're going down" just before the crash. Three of the four main rotor blades were found 165 feet away from the main wreckage, while the fourth landed 650 feet away. The tail boom and vertical fin also showed signs of main rotor blade strikes. Aviation experts say the evidence points to a sudden, "uncommanded" mechanical failure that led to the loss of control and crash.
- The helicopter crash occurred on the night of February 4, 2026.
- The NTSB preliminary report was released on March 10, 2026.
- A more definitive 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 for the Arizona Department of Public Safety who was killed in the crash. Skankey was a longtime resident of Kingman, Arizona, and had previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Terrell Storey
A 50-year-old man who police allege was involved in a shootout with officers on the ground, prompting the police helicopter's response that ended in the fatal crash.
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 judge overseeing the case against Terrell Storey is scheduled to hold a hearing on April 16, 2026 to determine the next steps in the prosecution.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the inherent risks and challenges facing law enforcement aviation crews who provide critical aerial support during dangerous situations. The preliminary findings suggest the need for rigorous helicopter maintenance protocols and safety reviews to prevent similar mechanical failures in the future.
