Army temporarily grounds Apache helicopter training flights after deadly crash

The U.S. Army has temporarily suspended Apache helicopter training flights following a fatal crash near Fort Hood, Texas. Two soldiers were killed in the accident on Wednesday in rural Salado, Texas, near the Fort Hood military base. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmsted, 25, both from Texas, were identified as the deceased pilots.

The helicopter did not strike any buildings but ignited a wildfire, according to the Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesperson. The Army has not yet determined the cause of the crash, which is common to implement a temporary stand-down after a fatal accident, particularly when the cause is under investigation. The Army expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two aviators and extended condolences to their families, friends, and unit.

The Army has characterized the latest version of the AH-64 Apache, manufactured by Boeing since the late 1990s, as "the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world." The twin-engine helicopter typically carries a pilot and a co-pilot gunner and is equipped with a rapid-fire gun and the capability to launch Hellfire missiles.

There are hundreds of Apaches operated by Army and National Guard units, and they have been utilized during the U.S.-Iran conflict. In June, an Apache patrolling the Strait of Hormuz was shot down by an Iranian drone, with the two pilots rescued by a sea drone.