5 Shocking Facts About The Fatal Lakeville Helicopter Crash: NTSB Investigation Update On The Robinson R66 Accident

The tragic helicopter crash that occurred near Lakeville, Minnesota, on September 6, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the local aviation community and across the Midwest. This devastating incident, involving a Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter, resulted in the immediate death of both occupants, two respected military veterans from Wisconsin.

As of the current date, December 13, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are deep into their investigation, having released a preliminary report that outlines the initial, chilling facts of the crash. The unique circumstances surrounding the flight path and the severity of the wreckage have raised critical questions about rotorcraft safety and the moments leading up to the disaster just west of Airlake Airport (LVN).

The Victims: A Tribute to Two Air-Savvy Wisconsin Veterans

The two men who tragically lost their lives were identified by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner as military veterans from Wisconsin, both known for their deep involvement in aviation and community service.

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• Name: Dave Schmitz
• Age: 81
• Hometown: Spooner, Wisconsin
• Background: A highly respected military veteran, Schmitz was known as an air-savvy individual with a passion for flying.

• Name: Robert "Bob" Drallmeier
• Age: 66
• Hometown: Glenwood City, Wisconsin
• Background: Also a military veteran, Drallmeier was a close friend and companion to Schmitz, sharing a connection to the aviation world.

The two men had reportedly been attending a veterans event near Jordan, Minnesota, earlier that Saturday, September 6, 2025, before the ill-fated flight that ended near the Twin Cities suburb of Lakeville.

5 Critical Details from the Lakeville Helicopter Crash Investigation

The investigation into the Robinson R66 crash, registration N6633L, is ongoing, but the initial findings from the NTSB preliminary report have highlighted several critical details that investigators are scrutinizing. These facts are essential to understanding the final moments of the flight and determining the probable cause of the fatal accident.

1. The Aircraft Was a Robinson R66 Turbine (N6633L)

The helicopter involved was a Robinson R66 Turbine, a five-seat light helicopter powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine. The R66 is a popular model for private use, flight training, and utility work, but like all rotorcraft, it is subject to rigorous safety scrutiny. The NTSB's focus will include a detailed examination of the aircraft's maintenance records, engine performance, and flight controls.

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2. The Crash Site Indicates High-Energy Impact and Post-Impact Fire

The severity of the accident was immediately clear. The preliminary report confirms the helicopter was "destroyed when it was involved in an accident" and that a significant "post impact fire ensued and destroyed the helicopter." This level of destruction often complicates the investigation, as key evidence from the wreckage can be consumed by the fire. The impact occurred west of Airlake Airport (LVN) in Dakota County, Minnesota, in a rural area near Highview Avenue and 219th Street West.

3. Flight Tracking Data Shows an Unusual Path

Flight tracking images shared by news services suggest the helicopter took off from Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, before circling toward the crash site near Airlake Airport. While the exact flight plan and pilot intentions are part of the investigation, the final moments of the flight are under intense scrutiny. Investigators will analyze radar data and any available flight track information to reconstruct the helicopter's altitude, speed, and maneuvers leading up to the impact.

4. The NTSB is Investigating a Possible "Mishandled Abnormal" Condition

One of the key entities in the investigation is the possibility of a "mishandled abnormal" situation or a "Controlled Flight Into Terrain" (C-FIT). While the official cause is yet to be determined, these terms suggest that investigators are looking into a scenario where the pilot may have encountered an unexpected mechanical or environmental issue (an "abnormal" condition) and was unable to recover, or that the aircraft was under the control of the pilot when it impacted the ground. This is a critical distinction that will determine whether the accident was primarily due to mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors.

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5. The Final Impact Heading Was Approximately 78°

Technical details from the NTSB preliminary report reveal that the "impact heading was about 78°." This specific piece of data is crucial for investigators. It helps them determine the direction the helicopter was traveling at the moment of impact, which can be cross-referenced with flight track data, weather conditions, and the aircraft's intended destination. This level of precision is a standard part of the NTSB's methodical approach to aviation accident investigation.

The Robinson R66: Safety and Operational Context

The Robinson Helicopter Company, based in Torrance, California, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of civilian helicopters. Their models, including the R66, are known for their performance and cost-effectiveness. However, like any aircraft model, the R66 has been the subject of safety discussions within the aviation community, often related to training standards and specific operational environments.

The NTSB investigation will not only focus on the immediate cause of the Lakeville crash but also on the broader context of the Robinson R66's operational history. This includes looking at any potential systemic issues, such as mast bumping, engine failure, or training gaps, that may have contributed to this and other rotorcraft accidents. The findings of this investigation, once complete, will be vital for improving helicopter safety standards across the industry, particularly for light turbine aircraft.

The final NTSB report, which can take up to a year or more to complete, will provide a definitive statement on the probable cause. Until then, the aviation community and the families of Dave Schmitz and Robert Drallmeier await the full, comprehensive analysis that will explain why this flight ended in tragedy on September 6, 2025, near the Twin Cities.