5) BUZZING / ACRO, C-FIT

Robinson R-66 | N67GA

October 22nd, 2025 | Ekalaka, Montana

Accident Location

  • City: Ekalaka
  • State: Montana
  • Latitude: 45.7587
  • Longitude: -104.66093
  • Airport ID:

Aircraft Info

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Bailey, Zachary Adam
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age:
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: October 22nd, 2025
  • Time: 7:20 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Night
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Enroute
  • Total People Onboard: 4
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 3
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 4
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 5) BUZZING / ACRO, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: Pending. Crash site located in the Chalk Butte range of terrain and occurred 4 minutes after sunset in low visibility conditions. One witness saw the helicopter enter a climb and observed a piece come off it. “She stated that the helicopter then began to gain altitude, and something came off it,
after which it descended out of her line of sight. ” Likely low level aggressive maneuvering which resulted in a mass bump and loss of control.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: Pending.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.