Army Temporarily Suspends All Apache Training Flights After Fatal Texas Crash
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| A U.S. Army AH-64D Apache helicopter flies during military exercises involving Poland and NATO allied forces in Orzysz, northwestern Poland, on Sept. 17, 2025. |
The U.S. Army has temporarily suspended Apache helicopter training flights nationwide following a fatal crash in Texas as investigators work to determine what caused the accident.
Army officials announced the temporary stand-down on Aug. 14, saying the pause would remain in place until investigators have a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The decision follows the deaths of two Army aviators whose AH-64E Apache attack helicopter went down near Fort Hood, Texas, on Aug. 12.
The soldiers were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead.
According to the U.S. Army Fort Hood Media Center, the helicopter was involved in an incident at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Aug. 12 while conducting a maintenance test flight in the Salado, Texas, area. The aircraft later crashed near Fort Hood.
Army officials said an investigation is underway to establish the cause of the accident.
In a statement, the Army expressed sympathy to the families, friends, and fellow service members affected by the loss of the two aviators.
“We mourn these aviators,” the Army said, extending its condolences to those closest to the pilots during what it described as an extremely difficult period.
The temporary suspension of Apache training operations will remain in effect while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.