Country music star Troy Gentry died in a helicopter crash Friday after the pilot of the aircraft lost control due to a faulty engine, an accident report revealed.
The NTSB has issued its preliminary accident report, according to TMZ, which states the pilot, who also died in the crash at 1pm in New Jersey, ‘was unable to control engine rpm with throttle inputs’.
NTSB revealed the pilot, James Evan Robinson, tried to do an emergency maneuver ‘which was a familiar procedure he had performed numerous times in the past’.
Troy Gentry (left), one half of country music group Montgomery Gentry, was killed in a helicopter crash on Friday
First responders positioned near the wreckage of a helicopter in Lumberton, NJ Friday. The Montgomery Gentry country duo’s Twitter account announced Gentry, 50, died in the crash
Pilot of the chopper James Evan Robinson also died in the crash. he is seen above in a facebook picture
The engine was being completely unresponsive, so Robinson decided to stop the engine and perform an autorotation.
The helicopter was perfectly safe and even passed safety inspections a mere three weeks before the crash as it was approaching the Flying W Airport in Medford.
The helicopter had been hovering for several minutes before it crashed, according to audio from the emergency call.
In the tape, obtained by The Blast, a dispatcher can be heard alerting emergency responders in Burlington County about the state of the dire situation.
Emergency personnel were able to remove Gentry from the twisted wreckage, but he died on his way to the hospital.
Helicopter Flight Services posted an emotional tribute to Robinson on their official Facebook page, with the caption: ‘It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend. May God shine his light on you and keep you safe in his arms. God speed Evan, you will always be in our hearts. Many prayers and love to his family and friends’
In August 2015 Robinson was awarded his commercial pilot license to operate a helicopter, with him also receiving his flight instructor license January 2017, according to People.
Helicopter Flight Services posted an emotional tribute to Robinson on their official Facebook page.
‘It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend. May God shine his light on you and keep you safe in his arms. God speed Evan, you will always be in our hearts. Many prayers and love to his family and friends.’
A police officer stands in a field at Flying W Airport, not far from the scene of the helicopter crash Friday
Troy Gentry leaves behind wife Angie Gentry, pictured together (left) in 2010 with her. Gentry performing at a concert in 2013 (right)
Troy Gentry, one half of country music group Montgomery Gentry, was scheduled to perform at a resort that housed the airport on Friday evening.
Tributes on behalf of the late country star also poured in on social media Friday.
‘Man they just don’t make em any nicer than Troy Gentry. He was always very very kind. Just can’t believe it. What a loss,’ fellow country singer, Randy Houser, wrote to his Twitter page.
Travis Tritt said: ‘So sad to hear that ‘Gentle Giant’ Don Williams has died! What an incredible legacy of great music he leaves behind. May he RIP.’
And Blake Shelton: ‘Found this picture of me and my old friend Troy a few days ago.. I am heart broken,’ the ‘God Gave Me You’ singer penned to his page.
‘Sad about Don Williams but Troy Gentry was my friend. I had great times with him. I’m stunned, angry and upset at the moment. I’ll miss you,’ Shooter Jennings wrote.
Josh Turner said he was ‘speechless’ when he heard the horrific accident.
Gentry leaves behind his daughter Kaylee, now 14-years-old, as well as daughter Taylor from a previous marriage
Blake Shelton shared a throwback photo and some kind words for his friend
‘Pray with me for the family of Don Williams & especially the family of Troy Gentry. It’s a heavy day for country music.’ Turner wrote to Twitter.
‘Sad day for country music. Troy Gentry and Don Williams have passed and that makes my heart hurt. Don was my hero and Troy was my friend,’ Jake Owen said.
Brad Paisley also said he was ‘heartbroken and in disbelief’ on Friday. ‘God bless you Troy Gentry,’ the ‘Today’ crooner said.
Randy Houser also tweeted telling his followers how devastated he was
His fellow artist Chris Young also weighed in on the tragic event
Chase Bryant tweeted well wishes to the family and friends of the legend
Big & Rich, the musical duo, offered their condolences to the country music star
The helicopter pilot died at the scene. Emergency personnel were able to remove Gentry from the wreckage but he died on the way to the hospital
Emergency responders pictured here at the scene of the crash Friday, tried to save Gentry
The ‘Our Town’ singer was 50 years old and leaves behind a wife and two children.
A message posted to the group’s Twitter page announced the news.
‘Troy Gentry’s family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.’
Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry performing during a tribute to Randy Travis in Nashville
Montgomery Gentry’s Twitter account broke the news to fans about Gentry’s tragic passing
Troy leaves behind his wife Angie McClure, who he wed in 1999, along with their daughter Kaylee, 14. He also leaves behind his daughter Taylor Gentry from a previous marriage.
Gentry was born on April 5, 1967, in Lexington, Kentucky, where he met bandmate Eddie Montgomery and formed a group based off their last names.
Montgomery Gentry had success on the country charts and country radio in the 2000s, scoring No. 1 hits with ‘Roll With Me,’ ‘Back When I Knew It All,’ ‘Lucky Man,’ ″Something to Be Proud Of’ and ‘If You Ever Stop Loving Me.’ Some of the songs even cracked the Top 40 on the pop charts.
The group released their debut album, ‘Tattoos & Scars,’ in 1999. The band is renowned to mix country music with a Southern rock twist.