US military helicopter crashes, crew killed
Photo: where the helicopter came from and where it was headed remains unclear (Getty Images)
On Wednesday, August 12, a military attack helicopter crashed into a field in Texas and burst into flames, killing the two pilots on board, reports CNN.
As CNN reports, the Apache helicopter, based at Fort Hood, went down in Salado, Texas. The incident occurred at 1:35 PM, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.
It should be noted that the Apache is an attack helicopter with two crew positions: the pilot in the rear and the co-pilot/gunner in the front.
According to a Bell County Sheriff's Office representative, emergency services responded to the fire that broke out. In addition, evacuations were carried out.
According to data from the Texas A&M Forest Service's emergency monitoring system, by 5:00 PM local time, the fire had spread to approximately 100 acres and was 45% contained.
Two Killed in U.S. Army AH-64 Apache Crash in Texas
— Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) August 12, 2026
Two crew members were killed after a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in a rural area near Salado, Texas. The aircraft was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.
The U.S. Army said its immediate… pic.twitter.com/pgitTw6Fg8
Coleman added that the helicopter did not hit any buildings or people.
“It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash," he said.
Local rescuers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers were at the crash site, less than 20 miles from Fort Hood.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general..
It remains unclear where the helicopter was coming from and where it was headed.
Other incidents
On June 16, a crash occurred in California during a test flight of a strategic aircraft. On that day, a B-52 heavy bomber crashed almost immediately after takeoff.
On May 18, two fighter jets collided at Mountain Home Air Force Base during an air show and then fell to the ground. The pilots managed to eject and survived.
