An Army attack helicopter crashed in a field near Salado, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon, igniting a grass fire and resulting in the deaths of two pilots.
The AH-64 Apache, based at Fort Hood, went down around 1:35 p.m. Both crew members were declared dead about an hour after the crash, according to Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Cliff Coleman. He noted that the helicopter crashed in an open area and did not impact any structures or individuals.
“It hit the ground hard,” he remarked to CBS Austin.
The incident led to a fire, which officials from Texas A&M Forest Service named the “Dove Hollow Fire.” By 5 p.m., the fire had burned approximately 100 acres and was reported to be 45% under control. Local residents were evacuated, and authorities warned drivers that nearby rural roads were blocked, suggesting they find alternate routes.
The helicopter was part of the 1st Cavalry Division and crashed less than 20 miles from Fort Hood, as noted by media sources.
A collaborative response from military personnel, local law enforcement, firefighters, and the Texas Department of Public Safety took place. Both Fort Hood and the sheriff’s office are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the crash.
“Our first priority is to secure the site and assist with emergency efforts,” said Acting Commander Brig. Gen. Ethan Deven. “We await more information regarding the crew and their families.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his condolences on social media, urging people to pray for the families of the deceased and the Fort Hood community.
He stated, “Today an Apache helicopter crashed in Bell County during Operation Fort Hood, killing two members of our military. Please join Cecilia and I in praying for their families and the entire Fort Hood community. Texas is forever grateful to those who serve our state and nation.”
Per the U.S. Army, the Apache is a two-seater helicopter, housing a pilot in the back and a co-pilot and gunner in the front. It remains unclear where the helicopter took off from or its intended destination, and officials have not released the pilots’ names until their families are notified.
