Welcome, Guest! | Sign Up or Log In
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

Lainey Wilson And Ella Langley Win Big At 2025 ACM Awards

The 60th Annual ACM Awards took place on Thursday (May 8) at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, hosted by Reba McEntire for a record 18th time. Lainey Wilson was the night’s big winner, taking home the ceremony’s highest award, Entertainer of the Year, along with Album of the Year for Whirlwind,…

84-Year-Old Grand Ole Opry Legend Jeannie Seely Is Recovering After Recent Health Issues

Grand Ole Opry icon Jeannie Seely is recovering from multiple recent health issues, including back and abdominal surgeries, an extensive stay in the ICU, and pneumonia. The 84-year-old country legend expressed gratitude for the support and love she received during her ordeal. "Over the past several weeks, I've received so many wonderful messages of love…

84-Year-Old Grand Ole Opry Legend Jeannie Seely Is Recovering After Recent Health Issues

Grand Ole Opry icon Jeannie Seely is recovering from multiple recent health issues, including back and abdominal surgeries, an extensive stay in the ICU, and pneumonia. The 84-year-old country legend expressed gratitude for the support and love she received during her ordeal. “Over the past several weeks, I’ve received so many wonderful messages of love…

Lainey Wilson Awarded 2025 ACM Artist-Songwriter Of The Year By Reba McEntire And Miranda Lambert

On Wednesday (May 7), Lainey Wilson found out that she had been named the 2025 ACM Awards' Artist-Songwriter of the Year, surprisingly receiving the honor from fellow country music stars Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire a day before the big ceremony. The trio are set to debut their new collaborative single, “Trailblazer,” at the awards…

Lainey Wilson Awarded 2025 ACM Artist-Songwriter Of The Year By Reba McEntire And Miranda Lambert

On Wednesday (May 7), Lainey Wilson found out that she had been named the 2025 ACM Awards’ Artist-Songwriter of the Year, surprisingly receiving the honor from fellow country music stars Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire a day before the big ceremony. The trio are set to debut their new collaborative single, “Trailblazer,” at the awards…

Blake Shelton Shares “Key To Happiness” With Wife Gwen Stefani After 10 Years Together

As Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani approach their tenth anniversary, the country music superstar reflects on their enduring love in a new interview with People. "It honestly does [feel like time is flying by]. It's like, how did this happen so quickly?" says Shelton, 48. He admits that "10 years is a long time," but affectionately…

Blake Shelton Shares “Key To Happiness” With Wife Gwen Stefani After 10 Years Together

As Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani approach their tenth anniversary, the country music superstar reflects on their enduring love in a new interview with People. “It honestly does [feel like time is flying by]. It’s like, how did this happen so quickly?” says Shelton, 48. He admits that â€ś10 years is a long time,” but affectionately…

Jelly Roll Dances To “Our Song” With Wife Bunnie XO During Lainey Wilson’s Show

During Lainey Wilson's recent performance, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO shared a heartwarming moment as they danced to Wilson's love ballad "4X4XU," captured in a TikTok video posted by Bunnie on Wednesday (May 7). Initially hesitant, Bunnie was coaxed onto the stage by Jelly, who pleaded, "Mama, it's our song! Come dance with me." The…

Jelly Roll Dances To “Our Song” With Wife Bunnie XO During Lainey Wilson’s Show

During Lainey Wilson’s recent performance, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO shared a heartwarming moment as they danced to Wilson’s love ballad “4X4XU,” captured in a TikTok video posted by Bunnie on Wednesday (May 7). Initially hesitant, Bunnie was coaxed onto the stage by Jelly, who pleaded, “Mama, it’s our song! Come dance with me.” The…