The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) has identified the two personnel who died in a helicopter crash near Flagstaff earlier this week. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at around 10:17 p.m., when an AZDPS Bell 407 helicopter, Ranger 56, crashed while responding to an active shooter situation at the request of the Flagstaff Police Department. Both crew members on board were killed.
The department released the names of those lost after notifying their families.
Pilot Robert Bruce Skankey joined AZDPS as a Rotary Wing Pilot in May 2021 and was assigned to Western Air Rescue. He was promoted to Aviation Supervisor in June 2024. Skankey previously served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988 until his retirement in July 2010, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as a Pilot in Command, Presidential Support Pilot, and Operations/Safety Officer. He received numerous decorations during his military career.
After retiring from the military, Skankey worked for Air Methods Corporation in Kingman as an Emergency Medical Service Pilot. Before joining AZDPS, he had logged over 5,100 flight hours. In addition to his aviation experience, Skankey earned a Master of Administration with an emphasis in Leadership from Northern Arizona University and completed other specialized training courses. He held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from Brigham Young University.
Skankey was born on May 2, 1964. He is survived by his wife Tjiske and their children: Robert C., Bryce, Kirstin, and Samuel.
State Trooper/Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett began his career with AZDPS as a cadet state trooper in June 2022. After graduating at the top of his class from the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in January 2023, he was assigned to Highway Patrol Division’s Metro Patrol Bureau District 20 for night shifts. In April 2024, Bennett transferred to Western Air Rescue in Kingman as a Trooper/Paramedic and later served briefly as a recruiter before becoming a fully qualified AZDPS Air Rescue Paramedic.
Bennett held certifications from both the Arizona Department of Health Services and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Prior to joining AZDPS, he worked for American Medical Response on ambulances within the state’s emergency system. Born on February 1, 1998, in Hartford, Connecticut, Bennett graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College with degrees in Business and Criminal Justice and also minored in Homeland Security.
On October 21, 2024, Bennett married Breanna—his high school sweetheart—in Hawaii.
AZDPS requested privacy for both families during this period of loss.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by federal authorities including the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board. The department stated it will provide verified updates when available.
A recording of the press conference regarding this incident can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/live/mFddYVh5v2M?si=5_yfR_n_pA-MmkSi
