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Robert Bruce Skankey

Age : 61

Gender : Male

Race : White

Date : 02/04/2026

Location : Near railroad tracks off Switzer Canyon Dr

City : Flagstaff

County : Coconino

State : Arizona

Agency : Arizona Department of Public Safety

Officer(s) :Not Applicable

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Helicopter crash during police response

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 02/04/2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter assisting officers during a prolonged gunfight in Flagstaff crashed, killing pilot Robert Bruce Skankey and trooper-paramedic Hunter Bennett. A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report later found evidence of a mechanical problem involving the main rotor rather than gunfire, noting no ballistic punctures in the wreckage. Radio audio captured two loud bangs followed by a voice saying “we’re going down” shortly before the crash. Investigators found rotor blades separated midair and struck the tail boom, sending the helicopter into an uncontrollable spin. The final cause remains under investigation.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wsav.com/news/national-news/ap-report-points-to-rotor-problem-in-arizona-police-helicopter-crash-that-killed-2-during-gunfight/
https://apnews.com/article/322161343c8f0b240fd21d9fd2d4b547
https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/report-points-rotor-problem-arizona-police-helicopter-crash-130947779