Army Resumes Apache Training Flights After Texas Crash

Officials say a procedure-focused safety review cleared training to restart with a Fort Rucker investigation into the Aug. 12 crash that killed two crew members still under way.

Overview

An AH-64E Apache crashed near Salado, Texas, on Aug. 12, killing Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead who were the only two people aboard.
The Army suspended Apache training flights on Aug. 14 and announced on Aug. 19 that training would resume after a thorough review of safety procedures and flight operations.
The Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker is conducting an active investigation into the crash that will review maintenance records, flight procedures, and human factors and could prompt further restrictions or changes.
Both aircrew were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment at Fort Hood and their deaths have prompted unit notifications and family support from the command.
The move follows a pattern of brief aviation pauses the Army has used to balance safety and readiness, and the service did not say it had suspended overseas Apache combat missions during the training pause.