Two Army soldiers were injured in an AH-64 Apache helicopter crash at Fort Riley, Kansas, during the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade’s gunnery training exercise, according to Lt. Col. Jefferson Grimes, a public affairs officer of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, adds to the Army’s growing list of aviation mishaps, prompting additional concerns regarding the safety and training of Army aviators.
The crew involved in the Fort Riley incident is currently receiving medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Specific details surrounding the crash have not been released, as the incident remains under investigation. “The crew is receiving all necessary medical treatment,” stated Grimes.
Apache helicopters, like the one involved in the Fort Riley crash, necessitate a two-person crew for operation—one to pilot the aircraft and another to manage the weapons systems. These helicopters are designed for versatility and precision, equipped with twin turboshaft engines, advanced avionics, and sensor systems. They are capable of executing missions across diverse terrains with speed and agility and are armed with precision-guided munitions, including Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30mm chain gun.
This recent mishap is part of a concerning pattern of airborne incidents among Army aviators. Over the past six months, a series of 12 crashes, including 11 helicopters and one C-12 fixed-wing aircraft, have been reported, resulting in the deaths of nine soldiers and one border patrol agent. Notably, two of these crashes also involved AH-64 Apache helicopters and occurred within days of each other in Colorado and Washington in March, injuring four crew members.
In response to the troubling trend, Army officials have introduced mandatory training aimed at reinforcing basic flying skills for all aviators. Additionally, in February, the Army National Guard instituted a component-wide halt on flight missions to review safety policies and procedures following two AH-64D Apache helicopter crashes.
These steps indicate a concerted effort by Army leadership to enhance the standard of aviation training and underscore the importance of safety and readiness. “We understand how to train ourselves,” expressed Maj. Gen. Walter T. Rugen, director of Army aviation. “We understand what the standards are, and we just want to make sure everybody is aware of those standards and then they’re performing to standard.”
As of now, Fort Riley, located in the Flint Hills Region of Kansas, is home to approximately 15,000 active duty service members. The 1st Infantry Division continues to carry out its mission while also focusing on the safety of its personnel.
Relevant articles:
– Apache Crash Injures 2 Fort Riley Soldiers as Army Grapples with Nonstop Aviation Incidents, Military, 05/10/2024
– Apache Helicopter Crash at Fort Riley Leaves 2 Hurt: Everything We Know, Newsweek, 05/09/2024
– Two injured in Apache helicopter mishap in Kansas, ArmyTimes.com, 05/09/2024
– Apache crash at Fort Riley injures two, latest in string of mishaps, Task & Purpose, 05/08/2024