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NTSB Preliminary Report Points to Rotor-System Failure in Arizona DPS Helicopter Crash

Early findings point to a sudden mechanical loss of rotor power, not gunfire.

Overview

  • Engine control data showed main-rotor speed plunging from 97% to 0% in less than a second as engine torque fell from 60% to 2%, indicating an instantaneous loss of rotor load.
  • A radio feed captured two loud bangs before a crew member said "We’re going down" as the helicopter began a rapid rightward rotation and descended.
  • Wreckage patterns signaled main-rotor separation and strikes on the tail, with three blades found about 165 feet from the fuselage and a fourth about 650 feet away.
  • Investigators reported no evidence of ballistic punctures and noted recent maintenance records listing no known issues with the aircraft.
  • Separate from the safety probe, suspect Terrell Storey remains jailed after a grand jury indictment on dozens of counts, including two first-degree murder charges related to the deaths.