Troy Gentry, half of the popular country music duo Montgomery Gentry, has died in New Jersey. He was set to play a concert there and was taking a “spur of the moment” helicopter ride. While he was in the air, the pilot of the helicopter, James Evan Robinson, reported mechanical problems. He told the airport that he was having difficulty controlling engine RPM. The pilot hovered in the air as he awaited the fire department, but after only a few seconds, the helicopter crashed into the ground. Both the pilot and the country star were killed.
Gentry was known for songs like “Something to Be Proud Of” and “My Town.” His music group was formed in 1999 and has written more than 25 charting songs. The band is credited with ending Brooks and Dunn’s eight-year reign as CMA Awards Vocal Duo of the Year.
Gentry is survived by his wife, Angie, and two daughters, Kaylee and Taylor.
AVIATION ACCIDENTS IN TENNESSEE
The most common causes of aviation accidents in Tennessee are:
- Pilot error, by far the most common cause. This includes negligence during takeoff and landing as well as during flight.
- Mechanical failure
- Defective aircraft design or manufacture
- Air traffic controller error
- Severe weather conditions
From the initial story, it seems that Gentry’s crash was caused by mechanical error. Helicopters are complicated machines. They have several moving parts, including engines, rotors, drive shafts, gears, electronics, flight controls and landing gear which must all work independently and together for a helicopter to operate safely. If any one part fails, the occupants of the helicopter are in grave danger.
Mechanical malfunctions can happen as a result of improper design, inadequate testing, fault manufacture, poor maintenance and more. If you have lost a loved one in a Tennessee helicopter accident, our wrongful death attorneys can help.
Deuteronomy 31:6, one of Troy Gentry’s favorites: “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”