NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Montana Robinson R66 Helicopter Crash

NTSB Releases Initial Findings on Fatal Montana Helicopters Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its preliminary report concerning the fatal crash of a Robinson R66 helicopter on October 22, 2025, near Ekalaka, Montana. The accident, which occurred under dusk conditions, tragically claimed the lives of the pilot and three passengers. This initial document lays out the foundational facts gathered by investigators at the scene and through early interviews, serving as the first step in a long and meticulous process to determine the cause. It is a stark and factual account of the flight’s final moments, the condition of the aircraft, and the circumstances surrounding the event.

Preliminary reports are a standard and crucial part of any aviation accident investigation. Their purpose is not to assign blame or pinpoint a definitive cause but to establish a public, factual record of what is known so far. This information allows the aviation community and the public to understand the basic sequence of events while the NTSB, in collaboration with parties like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aircraft manufacturer, delves deeper into the mechanical, operational, and human factors involved. The details within this report on the Montana crash, while not conclusive, provide critical direction for the ongoing investigation.

The flight in question, operating under personal use regulations, was not an isolated journey. The Robinson R66 was flying in tandem with a Cessna 182, having departed from a private ranch. This two-aircraft formation adds a unique dimension to the investigation, providing a direct aerial witness to the helicopter’s flight path just before the accident. The coordination between the two pilots and the subsequent loss of contact are key elements outlined in the NTSB’s initial summary, setting the stage for a complex analysis of the moments leading up to the tragic event.

Unpacking the Preliminary Findings

The Final Moments of Flight N67GA

According to the NTSB’s report, the accident flight began at approximately 18:18 mountain daylight time. The pilot of the Robinson R66, registration N67GA, communicated an intention to fly over the scenic Chalk Buttes on the way to Ekalaka Airport (97M). The pilot of the accompanying Cessna 182 observed the helicopter maneuvering through a gap in the rock formations. Shortly after, the helicopter fell back, and the Cessna pilot lost visual sight of it. This was the last time the aircraft was seen intact by the accompanying pilot.

The timeline of events becomes critical in the minute that followed. After losing visual contact, the Cessna pilot noted that the helicopter also disappeared from the aircraft’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) display, a system that tracks aircraft positions. Repeated attempts to establish radio communication with the helicopter pilot were unsuccessful. This sudden and complete loss of all forms of contact signaled a serious and immediate problem, prompting the sequence of events that would ultimately lead to the discovery of the wreckage.

A crucial piece of information in the preliminary report comes from a ground-based witness located approximately three-quarters of a mile from the accident site. The witness reported hearing both the helicopter and the airplane overhead. They observed the R66 flying low over the Buttes before it began to gain altitude. It was at this moment that the witness saw something separate from the helicopter. Immediately after, the aircraft descended out of the witness’s line of sight. This testimony provides a significant focal point for investigators as they analyze the wreckage for evidence of an in-flight structural failure or departure of a component.

A witness, located about 3/4 of a mile from the accident site, reported hearing the helicopter and airplane overhead. She observed the helicopter flying low over the Buttes, then begin to gain altitude. At this point, she saw something come off the helicopter, after which it descended out of her line of sight.

The Scene of the Accident

The helicopter wreckage was located in an open field next to a wooded area within the Chalk Buttes, at an elevation of 3,779 feet. The NTSB report describes the aircraft as substantially damaged upon impact. The distribution of debris is a critical element for investigators, as it helps reconstruct the accident sequence. A scattered debris field can indicate an in-flight breakup, while a more contained site might suggest an impact with structural integrity largely intact.

The wreckage debris area was measured to be approximately 300 feet wide by 300 feet long. This dimension is significant and will be carefully mapped and analyzed. The report specifies that fragments found within this area included Plexiglass, aircraft doors, the tail rotor driveshaft cover, stabilizers, the tail rotor itself, and the pilot’s side GPS mount. The identification of these specific parts, particularly flight control and structural components, will be central to determining what object the witness may have seen separating from the aircraft.

The aircraft involved was a Robinson Helicopter Co. R66 model with registration N67GA. While this was a personal flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, the helicopter held operating certificates for rotorcraft external load operations and agricultural aircraft applications. This information provides background on the aircraft’s certified capabilities but does not imply it was engaged in such activities at the time of the accident. The investigation will include a thorough review of the aircraft’s maintenance records and history.

The Investigation and Surrounding Conditions

The Path Forward for the Investigation

The NTSB has taken the lead on this investigation, with Joshua Cawthra serving as the Investigator in Charge. In line with standard procedure for major aviation accidents, the NTSB is working with several other organizations. These include the FAA, which oversees civil aviation safety; Rolls Royce, the manufacturer of the R66’s engine; and the Robinson Helicopter Company, the manufacturer of the airframe. This collaborative approach ensures that expertise from all relevant fields is brought to bear on the analysis of the accident.

It is important to reiterate that this report is only the first step. The information is preliminary and subject to change as more evidence is collected and analyzed. The next phases of the investigation will involve a detailed examination of the recovered wreckage, a forensic analysis of the engine and flight control systems, and a review of the pilot’s records, training, and medical history. The witness account of a separating object will undoubtedly lead to a focused inspection of the airframe’s structural integrity and all major components.

The report also provides important context regarding the environmental conditions at the time of the crash. The flight was operating in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), with clear skies and 10 miles of visibility. The accident occurred at dusk, a time of changing light that can present challenges for pilots. However, the initial data does not suggest that adverse weather was a contributing factor. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which is not unusual for operations conducted under VMC.

Awaiting a Final Determination

The preliminary report on the crash of N67GA provides a factual but somber outline of a tragic event. It confirms the date, location, and devastating loss of four lives. Key takeaways from this initial phase include the tandem flight with a Cessna 182, the sudden loss of electronic and radio contact, and the powerful eyewitness testimony of an object separating from the helicopter just before the crash. The documented debris field, containing pieces of the cabin and tail assembly, gives investigators a clear path for further forensic examination.

As the NTSB and its partners continue their work, the aviation community awaits a final report that will provide a probable cause. This process is methodical and can take a year or more to complete. The ultimate goal is not only to understand what happened on October 22 but to identify safety lessons and issue recommendations that can help prevent similar accidents in the future. For now, the preliminary findings serve as a critical, fact-based foundation for the comprehensive investigation that lies ahead.

FAQ

Question: What is the purpose of an NTSB preliminary report?
Answer: An NTSB preliminary report provides an initial summary of the facts discovered shortly after an accident. It is not intended to state a probable cause but to establish a public record of the event while the full investigation continues.

Question: What helicopter model was involved in the crash?
Answer: The aircraft was a Robinson Helicopter Co. R66, with registration N67GA, as detailed in the NTSB’s report.

Question: Who is investigating the crash?
Answer: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the lead investigative agency. It is being assisted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Robinson Helicopter Company, and Rolls Royce.

Sources

• NTSB Preliminary Report WPR26FA031