Two US Army Apache Helicopters Collide in Alaska Killing Three Soldiers
File photo of two US Army AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters assigned to 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB).
Photo courtesy: US Army Public Affairs / Photo by: CW2 Cameron Roxberry
Three US Army soldiers died and one was injured when two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters collided mid-air near Healy, Alaska, on April 27, 2023. The helicopters were returning from a training mission when the accident occurred, according to Army officials.
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-blade, tandem-seat helicopter designed for close air support and anti-armor missions. It is operated by a crew of two: a pilot and a co-pilot/gunner. Armament consists of a 30 mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles and Hydra rockets.
The injured soldier was transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries is unknown.
The helicopters were assigned to the 1st Attack Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The battalion is part of the 11th Airborne Division, which provides rapid deployment capabilities.
"This is an incredible loss for these soldiers' families, their fellow soldiers and for the division," Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, said in a statement.
The Army has ordered a safety stand down for all helicopters not involved in critical missions, following this crash and another one that killed nine soldiers in Kentucky last month. The Army Chief of Staff James McConville said the stand down is an important step to ensure the safety and training of the pilots and crews.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by an Army Combat Readiness Center team.
Craig has decades of experience contributing to Flight International, Aviation Week, KCRW, NPR, and appearances on the Discovery, Military and History Channels.
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