Two people killed in a helicopter crash on the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation near Fountain Hills on Tuesday morning have been identified by companies they worked for.

The pilot was identified as Rucie Moore, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, according to a statement from the school. Moore, who served as a professor and helicopter program chairman at the school, was piloting the private helicopter when it crashed in a field north of Fountain Hills, according to the statement.

In a separate statement, Tempe-based Van Horn Aviation said the second body was that of Stephen Estes, who worked as an engineering manager at the company.

Moore also worked as a contract experimental test pilot for Van Horn, the company said in a statement.

Estes and Moore were the only two people on board the helicopter when it crashed, the statement said.

Chief Mark Openshaw of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Fire Department, confirmed that two people were killed in crash, however the department had not officially confirmed their identities as of late Tuesday.

Officials initially reported only one death, but later in the day confirmed a second person was killed.

The helicopter, identified as a Bell 206B, went down in a field near Fort McDowell and Yavapai roads shortly after 7 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said in an email.

The helicopter crashed due to “unknown circumstances,” and the FAA believes that only the pilot was aboard, the email stated. 

Openshaw confirmed one body was found at the crash site. Authorities as of Tuesday afternoon had not officially confirmed Moore as the victim in the crash.

Witnesses reported that the helicopter was flying, then there was a “bang” sound before the helicopter spiraled to the ground and crashed, according to Openshaw.

When firefighters arrived at the crash scene, the helicopter was on fire and they extinguished the flames.

Fire officials say the helicopter began its flight from Falcon Field Airport in Mesa. An FAA database says the helicopter was registered to Tre Aviation Corp. in Wilmington, Delaware.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

Terry Doka, a resident of Fort McDowell, saw the aftermath of the crash that happened near his house. For him, one thing went through his mind as he watched the flames engulf the helicopter. 

“That could have been a house,” Doka said. “That could have been people out there. That could have been a guy cutting hay out there.” 

Doka has had plane crashes within miles of his house throughout the years, and he’s worried that one day an aircraft will not crash in an open unoccupied field. 

“They’re coming closer and closer to hitting our homes,” Doka stated.

According to residents of the area, planes and helicopters can constantly be seen around. They also explained that the airspace is used a lot by tutored pilots who are leaning how to fly. 

Doka explained that he constantly sees people “flying low here” and “cruising around.” 

“People that shouldn’t be in our airspace,” Doka said. “That’s what I’m getting tired of.” 

Moore had been a full-time faculty member at the school’s Prescott campus for one year, the school said. 

Prior to that, he spent five years as an adjunct professor for both the Embry-Riddle Prescott and Worldwide campuses and also served as a member of the College of Aviation’s Industry Advisory Board.

He was a decorated helicopter test pilot for the U.S. Army, the school said.

“Our dear colleague, Rucie Moore, was an outstanding pilot, an Army veteran and distinguished faculty member with deep experience in the flight test arena,” said Frank Ayers, Chancellor of Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus.

“His many contributions to the education of our students, including his extensive real world experience, was immeasurable. The entire Embry-Riddle family, our faculty, students and staff, feel his loss and extend our thoughts and prayers to his family.” 

The Van Horn Aviation statement described Estes as an Arizona State University alum who had been on the company’s engineering staff for five years before his recent promotion to engineering manager.

He was “instrumental” in the design and analysis of current rotor blades, the statement said.

The company also said Moore worked as a contract experimental test pilot.

“We mourn the loss of our friends during this tragic accident,” VHA president Dean Rosenlof said. “Both men contributed greatly to the design and development of our most recent rotor blade designs. Their passing will leave large holes in our company and they will both be missed personally and professionally.”

This is a developing story. Check back at azcentral.com for updates.

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