U.S. Army Suspends All Apache Helicopter Training After Texas Crash

The U.S. Army has imposed an immediate suspension of all training flights involving AH-64 Apache helicopters, following a fatal crash in Texas earlier this week that claimed the lives of two aviators.

The accident occurred on Wednesday near Salado, approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Fort Hood. The Apache helicopter crashed violently into a grassy field. The two service members aboard were the only individuals on board at the time of the incident.

Identified fatalities

Killed in the crash were Staff Sergeant Diontre Hewie, 34, from Killeen, Texas, and Sergeant Seth E. Olmstead, 25, from Belton, Texas.

Investigation under way

The U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, is leading the safety investigation. No cause for the crash has been disclosed.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Army said: “The suspension will remain in effect until we achieve a clearer understanding of the root cause of the accident. We currently have no additional information to share.”