Two pilots killed in Apache helicopter crash in Texas
Two pilots were killed on Wednesday when an Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field near Salado, Texas. CNN reported the incident, citing the local sheriff's office.
Two pilots were killed on Wednesday in the crash of an Apache attack helicopter in a field near the town of Salado, Texas. This was reported by CNN, citing a source in the local sheriff's office.
According to the report, the AH-64 Apache helicopter, stationed at the Fort Hood military base, crashed around 13:35 local time. Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Cliff Coleman confirmed that both crew members on board were killed.
Following the crash, a large fire broke out, prompting emergency services to begin evacuating residents from the area. According to Coleman, the helicopter crashed in an open field and did not strike any buildings or people on the ground.
"It crashed into a field, and you could see that it was a violent crash," he said.
Fort Hood officials confirmed that the aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter assigned to the base. Local rescue forces, military personnel, and law enforcement agencies are currently securing the site.
"Our immediate priority is to secure the scene and assist with initial response efforts," said acting base commander, Brigadier General Ethan Daven. "Our thoughts are with the crew members and their families as we await further information."
At this stage, the flight path and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
The AH-64 Apache is a two-seat US Army attack helicopter, featuring a rear-seated pilot and a front-seated co-pilot/gunner. The aircraft entered service in the 1980s and has undergone numerous upgrades. The US Army intends to keep the Apache in operation until 2050.
