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Two U.S. Army soldiers died Wednesday when an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed into a field near Fort Hood, Texas, triggering a wildfire that forced residential evacuations.
Two U.S. Army soldiers died Wednesday when an AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed south of Salado, Texas, about 50 miles north of Austin, triggering a grass fire that burned roughly 155 acres.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time," Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, said in a statement.
The helicopter went down around 1:30 p.m. local time in an open field off Dove Hollow Lane, less than 20 miles from Fort Hood, according to Cliff Coleman, a spokesman for the Bell County Sheriff's Office. The impact ignited dry brush, and the resulting fire covered about 155 acres before crews reached roughly 85 percent containment by 6:30 p.m., according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The soldiers' bodies were transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, and their identities will be released 24 hours after families are notified, the Army said.
The crash highlights the persistent risks of military aviation training. The Army National Guard grounded all Apache helicopters for a safety review in February 2024 after two fatal incidents, and the AH-64 fleet has faced scrutiny over maintenance and training procedures. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott offered condolences, saying "Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation."
The crash site was described by local law enforcement as an exceptionally violent impact. Bell County Sheriff's Office personnel evacuated several nearby homes as a precaution while emergency crews from the Salado Fire Department and Bell County Emergency Service District 1 worked to contain the spreading fire. The road near Dove Hollow Lane was temporarily impassable as fire trucks and emergency vehicles converged on the scene.
Fort Hood, located near Killeen, Texas, roughly 70 miles north of Austin, is one of the Army's premier installations and routinely conducts heavy aviation training operations across central Texas. The AH-64E Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter, manufactured by Boeing, and has been in service since the 1980s with continuous upgrades. The aircraft carries a two-person crew of pilot and gunner.
The incident comes as the Army has been reviewing helicopter safety protocols. In February 2024, the National Guard grounded all Apache helicopters for a safety review after two crashes resulted in fatalities. The Army has also been evaluating replacements for its helicopter fleet, with Texas-based Bell Textron winning a contract in December 2022 to develop next-generation rotorcraft.
The broader military aviation community has seen a series of high-profile incidents in recent years, including an F-35 crash in San Diego and multiple training accidents across service branches. The Army has not yet disclosed a preliminary cause for Wednesday's crash, and an investigation is expected to follow standard military protocols. The crash occurred during what the Army described as routine training operations, though specific mission details have not been released.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
