NTSB Concludes Pilot Error Caused Helicopter Crash That Killed Troy Gentry

NTSB Concludes Pilot Error Caused Helicopter Crash That Killed Troy Gentry

The National Transportation Safety Board released a final report regarding the death of Troy Gentry, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Sept. 8, 2017, at the Flying W Airport in Medford, New Jersey.

According to the NTSB, the pilot, who also died, cut the engine too soon as he tried to make an emergency landing. The pilot error led to an uncontrolled descent that sent the helicopter crashing into the woods.

Shortly after takeoff the pilot reported that he could not control the engine. Experts on the ground suggested a shallow, run-on landing—similar to an airplane approaching a runway on a gradual horizontal plane—but the pilot instead attempted a power-off autorotation, a maneuver in which he cut the engine and tried to glide in. The experts stressed the need to wait until the helicopter was over the runway before turning off the engine, but investigators concluded the pilot did so too far out. The NTSB also said the maintenance crew’s failure to rig the throttle control assembly before the flight contributed to the crash.

Troy, who was 50 at the time, was one half of the country duo Montgomery Gentry. His bandmate, Eddie Montgomery, was at the airport during the crash, as the duo was scheduled to perform that night.

Montgomery Gentry was formed in 1999. The duo found success with songs such as “My Town,” “If You Ever Stopped Loving Me,” “Something to Be Proud Of,” “Gone,” and “Back When I Knew It All.”

Troy is survived by his wife, Angie Gentry, and two daughters, Taylor and Kaylee.

photo by Jason Simanek

Blogs

Jackson Dean Has Poured Everything He Has Into His Music

Jackson Dean, known for his high-energy live performances, will be releasing his new single "Be Your Man" on May 9. The country rocker's intense stage presence, highlighted by moments of pushing himself to the point of blacking out, has fueled his successful career following his 2022 chart-topping debut single, "Don't Come Lookin'." With a distinct…

Jackson Dean Has Poured Everything He Has Into His Music

Jackson Dean, known for his high-energy live performances, will be releasing his new single “Be Your Man” on May 9. The country rocker’s intense stage presence, highlighted by moments of pushing himself to the point of blacking out, has fueled his successful career following his 2022 chart-topping debut single, “Don’t Come Lookin’.” With a distinct…

LOCASH Share Insight Into New Album ‘Bet The Farm’

Chart-topping Nashville country duo LOCASH recently joined Rob + Holly on the Friday Night Takeover to discuss their forthcoming album, Bet The Farm, which is set to be released on Friday (April 18). LOCASH members Chris Lucas and Preston Brust shared insight into their highly-anticiapted new record, which features their current hit single, “Hometown Home,”…

LOCASH Share Insight Into New Album ‘Bet The Farm’

Chart-topping Nashville country duo LOCASH recently joined Rob + Holly on the Friday Night Takeover to discuss their forthcoming album, Bet The Farm, which is set to be released on Friday (April 18). LOCASH members Chris Lucas and Preston Brust shared insight into their highly-anticiapted new record, which features their current hit single, “Hometown Home,”…

Zach Bryan Praises Bon Iver’s New Album, ‘SABLE, fABLE’

Zach Bryan recently took to his Instagram Stories to salute Bon Iver's latest album, SABLE, fABLE, expressing his admiration for the project that was released on April 11 to praise from fans and critics alike. Noteworthy for his consistent support of music he appreciates, the country superstar revealed that he has “Been with the record…

Zach Bryan Praises Bon Iver’s New Album, ‘SABLE, fABLE’

Zach Bryan recently took to his Instagram Stories to salute Bon Iver’s latest album, SABLE, fABLE, expressing his admiration for the project that was released on April 11 to praise from fans and critics alike. Noteworthy for his consistent support of music he appreciates, the country superstar revealed that he has “Been with the record…

Luke Bryan “Got Roped Into” Watching Katy Perry’s Spaceflight, “Wanted It To Not” Blow Up

During an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday (April 15), Luke Bryan shared that he unexpectedly found himself intrigued by the livestream featuring fellow American Idol judge Katy Perry's all-female space flight on Monday (April 14). The country star's interest was piqued while scrolling through Instagram on his morning farm walk, leading him to…

Luke Bryan “Got Roped Into” Watching Katy Perry’s Spaceflight, “Wanted It To Not” Blow Up

During an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday (April 15), Luke Bryan shared that he unexpectedly found himself intrigued by the livestream featuring fellow American Idol judge Katy Perry’s all-female space flight on Monday (April 14). The country star’s interest was piqued while scrolling through Instagram on his morning farm walk, leading him to…

Jelly Roll And Melissa Etheridge Selected As Co-Chairs For Mobilize Recovery’s 2025 College ‘Campus Surge’ Initiative

Mobilize Recovery has named Jelly Roll, Melissa Etheridge, and Noah Thompson as co-chairs for their 2025 Campus Surge initiative, which highlights their commitment to addiction recovery awareness and advocacy. The country singers will also be joined for this program by coach Scott Cochran and Sheriff Karl Leonard. Jelly Roll is known for both his music…

Jelly Roll And Melissa Etheridge Selected As Co-Chairs For Mobilize Recovery’s 2025 College ‘Campus Surge’ Initiative

Mobilize Recovery has named Jelly Roll, Melissa Etheridge, and Noah Thompson as co-chairs for their 2025 Campus Surge initiative, which highlights their commitment to addiction recovery awareness and advocacy. The country singers will also be joined for this program by coach Scott Cochran and Sheriff Karl Leonard. Jelly Roll is known for both his music…