Two Apaches losses in three days
The United States Army suffered the loss of two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters in three days, luckily without the loss of life!
On Monday evening (25 March 2024), an AH-64E assigned to 4-6th CAV crashed near Joint Base McChord-Lewis (WA). The helicopter came down in Thurston County, just south-east of Olympia, during what was described as "a routine military training mission". Both pilots were transported to Madigan Army Medical Center on base for treatment.
Around 18:30 hours local time, on Wednesday 27 March 2024, another Apache was lost near Fort Carson (CO). This time the Apache was operated by 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and both pilots reportedly suffered minor injuries only. They were brought to the Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson (CO) for treatment.
Even though modern safety standards have reached extremely high levels, there always is a risk associated with military aviation. This year the US Army Aviation safety record however seems to be extremely low compared to previous years. Besides the two crashes described here, five other major mishaps were already reported in 2024:
01-Feb-2024 A CH-47F operated by B(-)/2-135th AVN NE ARNG was damaged during an emergency landing, all four on board safe.
12-Feb-2024 Both pilots on board a 1-211th AVN UT ARNG AH-64D Apache survived a crash just outside the base perimeter of South Valley RAP (UT).
23-Feb-2024 Two A/1-149th AVN MS ARNG pilots lost their lives when they crashed with their AH-64D near Booneville (MS).
23-Feb-2024 During a training flight, UH-72A 11-72221/21J of 1-223rd AVN crashed near Troy (AL). Both on board suffered minor injuries.
08-Mar-2024 While deployed on Border Patrol duties, both Det.2 A/1-224th AVN NY ARNG pilots were killed when their UH-72A Lakota crashed near Rio Grande City (TX). Also a Border Patrol agent on board was killed.
Picture: The remains of a Utah Army National Guard AH-64D that crashed on 12 February, one of four mishaps involving Army Apaches in the past two months. Utah National Guard via KUTV