U.S. Army Halts Apache Helicopter Training Following Fatal Crash

The U.S. Army announced on Friday that it is temporarily suspending Apache helicopter training flights after a tragic crash resulted in the deaths of two soldiers earlier this week near Fort Hood, Texas.

According to a statement from the Army, the stand-down will remain in effect until a thorough investigation into the root cause of the accident is conducted. The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed on Wednesday in a field in rural Salado, Texas, close to the Fort Hood base, as confirmed by both Army and local law enforcement officials.

The deceased pilots have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmsted, 25, both of whom hailed from Texas. Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Bill Coleman described the crash as violent, noting that while the helicopter did not collide with any buildings, it did ignite a wildfire in the vicinity.

As of now, the military has not disclosed the specific cause of the crash. It is standard procedure for the military to order a temporary stand-down following a fatal incident, particularly when the cause remains under investigation.

The Army expressed its sorrow over the loss of the two soldiers, stating, «The Army is profoundly saddened by the loss of two Soldiers in the recent AH-64 Apache helicopter crash near Fort Hood, Texas. We mourn these aviators, and our deepest condolences remain with their families, friends, and unit during this extraordinarily difficult time.»

The AH-64 Apache, manufactured by Boeing since the late 1990s, is regarded as one of the most advanced aerial fighting vehicles in the world. This twin-engine helicopter typically accommodates a pilot and a co-pilot gunner, and is armed with a rapid-fire gun as well as the capability to launch Hellfire missiles.

Hundreds of Apache helicopters are currently in operation by Army and National Guard units, and they have been deployed in various military conflicts, including the U.S.-Iran war. Notably, in June, an Apache helicopter patrolling the Strait of Hormuz was shot down by an Iranian drone, an incident that was announced by former President Trump, who reported that the two pilots were subsequently rescued by a sea drone.