Angie Gentry, the widow of the late country star Troy Gentry, filed a lawsuit on Feb. 14 against the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Keystone Helicopter Corporation. The suit alleges that the manufacturers of the helicopter that her husband passed away in knew that their aircrafts had major defects that lead to the tragic crash.
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On Sept. 8, 2017, Troy Gentry, 50, and pilot James Robinson, 30, passed away after crashing into a field nearby the Flying W Airport and Resort in Medford, N.J. Country duo Montgomery Gentry was slated to perform at the resort that evening. Eddie Montgomery was not with Troy Gentry at the time of the crash.
READ MORE: Eddie Montgomery Explains Why He's Continuing Montgomery Gentry
According to the dispatch report, pilot James Robinson called for emergency assistance due to mechanical issues and attempted to hover the aircraft above the ground while waiting for help. When crews arrived, the helicopter had already crashed.
Angie Gentry's lawsuit alleges that the helicopter's manufacturers hid "defects in the engine, transmission and sprag clutch, throttle cables, engine attachments and absence of crashworthy features" from those who would potentially pilot, ride in and even buy their helicopters.
"Because of defects in the engine, throttle cable attachment and collective control, the helicopter did not enter autorotation as expected, it did not disengage smartly from the transmission so the engine the rotors slowed to a speed lower than would permit a safe autorotation, thus allowing the helicopter to drop like a stone to the ground below, killing all aboard," the suit states.
At this time, the manufacturers have not released a statement regarding the suit.
