What happened
On October 22, 2025, at approximately 18:30 mountain daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Co. R6/6, registration N67GA, was involved in an accident near Ekalaka, Montana. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use. The aircraft was flying in a formation of two, accompanied by a Cessna 182.
According to a witness flying in the Cessna 182, the two aircraft departed from a private ranch south of Ekalaka. The pilot of the N67GA indicated an intention to fly over the Chalk Buttes en route to Ekalaka Airport (97M). The pilot of the trailing aircraft observed the helicopter flying at an altitude similar to the buttes, approximately 1/8th mile in trail.
After entering the southwest end of the Chalk Buttes, the pilot of the helicopter communicated an intention to fly around the buttes to the left. The trailing aircraft then observed the helicopter fly through a gap in the rocks and execute a right turn toward the Cessna. Following this maneuver, the helicopter fell to approximately 1/2 to 1 mile behind the Cessna, which was the last time visual contact was maintained. About one minute later, the helicopter disappeared from ADS-B surveillance, and radio contact could not be established.
A second witness, located approximately 3/4 mile southeast of the accident site, observed the helicopter flying low over the buttes from left to right. This witness reported seeing the helicopter gain altitude and observing something detach from the aircraft before it descended out of sight.
The helicopter impacted an open field near a wooded area within the Chalk Buttes range at an elevation of 3,779 feet MSL. The aircraft came to rest on its left side. The debris field, measuring approximately 300 feet by 300 feet, contained various components including the tailrotor, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, doors, and a GPS mount.
The accident resulted in 4 fatal injuries.