US Army grounds all Apache helicopter training missions after deadly crash in Texas
By Aaron Cooper, CNN
(CNN) — The United States Army is temporarily halting all Apache helicopter training flights after a crash this week near Fort Hood, Texas, killed two soldiers.
“Army leaders directed a temporary stand-down of AH64 Apache training flight operations,” the Army said in a statement. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident.”
Investigators from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived at the crash scene on Thursday and will lead the investigation.
The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter with seats for two crew members: the pilot in the rear of the aircraft and the co-pilot and gunner in the front, according to the US Army.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth Olmstead, 25, were killed in the crash, according to a statement from Fort Hood.
They were both part of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at the base.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, Fort Hood commanding general, said in a statement. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.”
The four-bladed Apache helicopter can carry 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 aerial rockets and 1,200 rounds for its 30 mm gun.
“It is highly mobile, lethal, and can destroy armor, personnel, and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions at ranges out to 8 kms (5 miles),” the Army said on its website. “With the addition of improved situational awareness, flight performance, and joint interoperability, the AH-64E has become the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world.”
Apaches have been upgraded and modernized since the aircraft was first introduced in 1984, and they are slated to keep flying until 2050.
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CNN’s Pete Muntean contributed to this report.
