U.S. Army Apache Helicopter Crash Kills Two Soldiers Near Salado, Texas

01:08 01:20 01:42 00:37 01:25 00:37 02:48 52:05 26:50 20 Minutes with AFP Published on 08/13/2026 at 03:25 • Updated on 08/13/2026 at 03:25 In the United States, the American military is once again mourning a aviation tragedy. A military helicopter crashed Wednesday in Texas, killing two soldiers, announced the base from which the aircraft operated. An AH-64E Apache attack helicopter of the U.S. Army, based at Fort Hood, crashed today in Salado, in central Texas. “The two soldiers have indeed died,” the military base said. The U.S. Army did not specify what the aircraft was doing at the time of the accident. Earlier in mid-June, a heavy U.S. bomber B-52s had crashed shortly after takeoff in California, killing its eight occupants. Also to read

2 soldiers dead after Apache helicopter crashes in Texas: Army The chopper was based at Fort Hood, the Army said. Two soldiers are dead after a military helicopter crashed in Salado, Texas, on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Army. The chopper, which crashed in a field near Fort Hood in Texas, was an AH-64 U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter, according to the Army. The two-seater aircraft was based at Fort Hood, the Army said. "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time," Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, 1st Cavalry Division acting commanding general, said in a statement. The names of the soldiers are being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, the Army said. The Bell County Sheriff's Office said it received a 911 call regarding a helicopter crash after 1:30 p.m. local time. The crash sparked a grass fire, authorities said. No buildings or structures were damaged, the Bell County Sheriff's Office confirmed to ABC News. Fort Hood personnel were on scene working with local first responders, the Army said.

US suspends Apache helicopter training flights after fatal crash in Texas ‘Stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,’ says army Berk Kutay Gokmen 15 August 2026•Update: 15 August 2026 ISTANBUL The US Army has temporarily suspended all Apache helicopter training flights following a crash earlier this week near Fort Hood, Texas, that claimed the lives of two soldiers. “Army leaders directed a temporary stand-down of AH64 Apache training flight operations,” the army said in a statement. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident.” Investigators with the Army Combat Readiness Center arrived at the crash site Thursday and will oversee the investigation. The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter designed to carry two crew members, with the pilot seated in the rear and the co-pilot and gunner positioned in the front, according to the army. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth Olmstead, 25, died in the crash, according to a statement from Fort Hood. The soldiers were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at the base.

Army temporarily halts Apache helicopter training missions after Texas crash that killed 2 Army temporarily halts Apache helicopter training missions after Texas crash that killed 2 The U.S. Army temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions Friday after a fatal crash in Texas earlier this week killed two soldiers. No cause of the Wednesday crash has been released because the investigation has just begun. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, is trying to determine what happened, the Army said. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,” the Army said in its statement Friday. The military has taken similar action after past crashes. Three years ago, the Army grounded all aviation units until they completed some additional training after 12 soldiers died in separate crashes in Alaska and Kentucky. The Army made no mention of stopping the combat missions that Apache helicopters are regularly flying in the war in Iran. These helicopters have been employed around the Strait of Hormuz as part of the measures to maintain open navigation channels. One Apache crashed after running into an Iranian drone. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, were killed in the Texas crash, the Army said. They were the only two people on board when the helicopter crashed in a grassy field near Salado, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Fort Hood. Huey entered the Army in 2014 and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. “Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.” Aviation safety expert John Cox said it’s encouraging to see the Army take this step because “you’re guessing until you get some hard answers” and this move signals the Army is making safety a priority. “I am very much glad to see them doing that. It says that they’re being proactive,” said Cox, who is CEO of Safety Operating Systems and a longtime pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board criticized the Army’s safety culture sharply during the investigation of last year’s collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet in the skies near Washington, D.C. The NTSB said the Army did a poor job recognizing some of the safety risks in the busy airspace around the nation’s capital before that crash in January 2025 that killed 67 people. Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. And nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters. The Apache attack helicopter has been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apaches have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies over the decades.

SALADO — Two soldiers Just after 1:30 p.m., first responders were called to the crash south of Salado and about about a mile west of Interstate 35, Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman told the American-Statesman. The two people onboard the aircraft were pronounced dead on scene by a local justice of the peace, Coleman said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Coleman said the helicopter crashed in a field and did not hit any structures or people on the ground. “You could tell it was a violent crash,” he added. Fort Hood officials confirmed the crash killed two servicemembers aboard an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter. They have not been publicly identified. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the First Cavalry Division, said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The crash sparked a large grass fire which had not been contained as of 6 p.m. Salado, Jarrell, Eastside and Westside firefighters were responding and some homes near the blaze were evacuated, Coleman said. The fire was about 100 acres and 45% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. FM 2843 was “impassable” in the area of the fire, the Salado Fire Department said. Authorities were asking drivers to avoid the area. Travis County STAR Flight assisted with firefighting efforts, dropping water on the fire, county officials said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fort Hood’s Army Criminal Investigation Division is leading the response. Bell County authorities and the Texas Department of Public Safety are assisting. This is a developing story.

The cause of the plane crash on Wednesday has not been disclosed as the investigation has just begun. The Army said a safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, is attempting to determine what happened. In a Friday statement, the Army said the stand-down “will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the incident.” The Army has taken similar actions after previous incidents. Three years ago, the Army paused all aviation units until some additional training was completed after 12 soldiers were killed in separate incidents in Alaska and Kentucky. Read more: U.S. Army freezes pilots until units complete training after deadly incidents. The Army did not mention a stand-down of the combat missions routinely conducted by Apache helicopters in the war in Iran. These helicopters have been used around the Strait of Hormuz as part of measures to keep navigation channels open. An Apache crashed after colliding with an Iranian drone. The Army said Staff Sergeant 2nd Class Dionter T. Huey, 34, of Kilin, Texas, and Staff Sergeant Seth L. Olmsted, 25, of Bilton, Texas, were killed in the Texas crash. They were the only two on board when the helicopter crashed in a grassy field near Salado, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Fort Hood. Huey joined the Army in 2014 and Olmsted in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, the commander of the III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, said, “Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the families of the soldiers we lost on Wednesday. The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.” Aviation safety expert John Cox said he’s glad to see the Army take this step because you “guess until you get some hard answers,” and this step indicates the Army is making safety a priority. Cox, the longtime president and CEO of Safety Operating Systems, said, “I’m very glad to see them doing this. It shows they are acting proactively.” The National Transportation Safety Board sharply criticized the Army’s safety culture during its investigation of last year’s collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a US Airways aircraft in the sky near Washington, D.C., saying the Army did a poor job of recognizing some safety hazards in the crowded airspace around the capital before that January 2025 accident that killed 67 people. Fort Hood is a massive base spanning 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) used for training and deploying heavy forces. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during training. Nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swamped washout swept their vehicle into flowing water. Apache attack helicopters have been a core part of Army aviation since the first aircraft was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apache aircraft have been operated by the U.S. Army and its allies over the decades. Free press is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trustworthy journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now. Source: www.pbs.org Publication date at the source: 2026-08-15 02:34:00 Source author: Jim Vertuno, Associated Press This content was automatically reproduced from the cited source, and the rights to the content and information remain with the original source. The text may be subject to processing or machine translation prior to publication. Note: The topic about the Army temporarily stopping Apache helicopter training missions after the Texas crash was published today (Saturday, 2026/08/15 at 10:32 AM) and is available at BeirutTime. The press team at PressBee has verified it and may have edited or fully transferred or quoted it. You can read and follow updates on this news from its primary source. Details from the source - click here. Finally, we hope to have provided you with details and information from PressBee: The Army temporarily halts Apache helicopter training missions after their deadly crash in Texas. Last update: 15 August 2026, 10:32 AM. Also on the site: A 5.0 magnitude earthquake hits southern Spain; Trump confirms the return of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from the Middle East; 12 injured, including children, in a car crash in Kafr El-Sheikh; they were all on their way to spend a fun day at a coastal resort in Baltaim. Follow us on Google News. Share on WhatsApp. Facebook. Support trustworthy journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now. Source: www.pbs.org Publication date at the source: 2026-08-15 02:34:00. The text was automatically translated from the source; rights and information belong to the original source. Note: The topic about the Army temporarily stopping Apache helicopter training missions after the deadly Texas crash was published today (Saturday, 2026/08/15 at 10:32 AM) and is available at BeirutTime. The Press Bee editorial team has verified it and may have edited it, or may have fully transferred or quoted it. You can read and follow updates on this news from its primary source. Details from the source - click here. Finally, we hope to have provided you with details and information from PressBee: The Army temporarily halts Apache helicopter training missions after their deadly crash in Texas. Also on the site: A 5.0 magnitude earthquake hits southern Spain; Trump confirms the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln from the Middle East; 12 injured, including children, in a car crash in Kafr El-Sheikh; they were all on their way to spend a fun day at Baltaim beach.

Two dead after military helicopter crashes in Texas Two people have died in a military helicopter crash in central Texas, officials have confirmed. The two were pronounced dead at the scene after police responded to an emergency call at around 13:33 local time (18:33 GMT) about the wreckage in fields south of the village of Salado. The aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at nearby Fort Hood, a major US Army base, the military said. When officers arrived, they discovered the crash as well as a large fire that was "getting out of control very quickly", Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said. An investigation into the incident is ongoing and emergency response efforts are underway, the US Army said. "Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts," said Brig Gen Ethan Diven, the acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division. "Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information." The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter capable of conducting armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike, and vertical maneuver missions, according to the US Army. It seats two service members - a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot gunner in the front position, the Army says.

A U.S. military helicopter crashed on Wednesday in Texas, killing two soldiers, the base to which the aircraft belonged announced. An AH-64E Apache attack helicopter of the U.S. Army based at Fort Hood crashed today in Salado, in central Texas, and two soldiers were indeed killed, the base wrote in a statement. It does not specify what the aircraft was doing at the time of the accident. In mid-June, a U.S. B-52 heavy bomber crashed shortly after takeoff in California, killing all eight occupants. A U.S. military helicopter crashed on Wednesday in Texas, killing two soldiers, the base to which the aircraft belonged announced. An AH-64E Apache attack helicopter of the U.S. Army based at Fort Hood crashed today in Salado, in central Texas, and two soldiers were indeed killed, the base wrote in a statement. It does not specify what the aircraft was doing at the time of the accident. In mid-June, a U.S. B-52 heavy bomber had crashed shortly after takeoff in California, killing its eight occupants.

The U.S. Army has temporarily suspended all AH-64 Apache helicopter training flights following a crash near Fort Hood, Texas, thatkilledtwo soldiers earlier this week. “Army leaders directed a temporary stand-down of AH64 Apache training flight operations,” the Armysaidin a statement. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident.” Investigators from the Army Combat Readiness Centre at Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived at the crash site on Thursday, August 13, and will lead the investigation into the accident. The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter designed for a two-person crew, with the pilot seated in the rear and the co-pilot and gunner in the front, according to the U.S. Army. The soldiers killed in the crash were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth Olmstead, 25, according to a statement from Fort Hood. Both were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at the base. The four-bladed Apache can carry up to 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 aerial rockets and 1,200 rounds of ammunition for its 30 mm cannon. The aircraft has undergone successive upgrades and modernization programs since it was first introduced in 1984. The Army plans to keep the Apache in service until 2050. By Tamilla Hasanova

Two soldiers were killed when a U.S. Army Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashed in Salado, Texas, on Wednesday, the Army and local law enforcement officials said. Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Bill Coleman said two people were on board the helicopter and were pronounced dead at the scene around 2:30 p.m. local time. Coleman said the helicopter crashed into a field and didn't hit any homes or other structures. "You could tell this was a violent crash," he said. The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was based out of Fort Hood, Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, confirmed in a statement. "Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts," Diven said. "Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information." There was no immediate information provided about a possible cause of the crash or the identities of the victims. The Army said names would be released 24 hours after the families were notified. Coleman said the crash also sparked a wildfire, which was still burning out of control as of about 3:30 p.m. local time. Fort Hood is located near Killeen, Texas, slightly northwest of Salado and roughly 70 miles north of Austin.

The U.S. Army said Friday it is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights after two soldiers in a crash near Fort Hood, Texas."The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident," the Army said in a statement. The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed Wednesday in a field in rural Salado, Texas, near its base in Fort Hood, the Army and local law enforcement officials said. The Army identified the deceased pilots as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmsted, 25, both Texas natives. "You could tell this was a violent crash," said Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Bill Coleman, who told reporters the helicopter did not hit any buildings, but sparked a wildfire. The military has not specified the cause of the crash. It is not unusual for the military to order a temporary stand-down after a fatal crash, especially if the cause is still under investigation. "The Army is profoundly saddened by the loss of two Soldiers in the recent AH64 Apache helicopter crash near Fort Hood, Texas," the Army said Friday. "We mourn these aviators, and our deepest condolences remain with their families, friends, and unit during this extraordinarily difficult time." The Army has described the newest iteration of the AH-64 Apache, which has been manufactured by Boeing since the late 1990s, as "the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world." The twin-engine helicopter typically seats a pilot and a co-pilot gunner, and is equipped with a rapid fire gun and can launch Hellfire missiles. Hundreds of Apaches are operated by Army and National Guard units, and the helicopters have been used during the U.S.-Iran war. In June, an Apache that was was shot down by an Iranian drone, President Trump announced. The two pilots were then rescued by a sea drone.

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A military attack helicopter slammed into a Central Texas field and caught fire on Wednesday, killing the two pilots aboard and forcing evacuations in the area. The Apache helicopter from the Fort Hood military installation crashed in Salado, Texas, around 1:35 p.m. local time, and the two pilots on board were confirmed dead, said Cliff Coleman, a spokesperson for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office. The AH-64 Apache, which was based at Fort Hood, is an attack helicopter with seats for two crew members: the pilot in the rear of the aircraft and the co-pilot and gunner in the front, according to the US Army. Crews responded to a large, uncontrolled wildfire sparked by the crash, and evacuations were in place, Coleman said. The blaze has burned about 100 acres and was 45% contained by 5 p.m. local time, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer. Debris laid strewn in the field across the scorched ground as firefighters tried to quell lingering flames, video from the scene showed. The helicopter did not hit any structures or people, Coleman said. “It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,” he said. Local emergency responders, military personnel and law enforcement were on scene at the crash site, less than 20 miles from Fort Hood. “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.” The unidentified soldiers were taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood officials said in an updated statement. The victims will be identified 24 hours after their next of kin has been notified, the statement noted. It was unclear where the helicopter was coming from or where it was headed. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott offered his condolences on X after the deaths of the two pilots. “Join Cecilia and me in prayer for their families and the entire Fort Hood community. Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation,” the governor said in the post. The four-bladed helicopter can carry 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 aerial rockets and 1,200 rounds for its 30 mm gun. Apaches have been upgraded and modernized since the aircraft was first introduced in 1984, and they are slated to keep flying until 2050. “It is highly mobile, lethal, and can destroy armor, personnel, and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions at ranges out to 8 kms (5 miles),” the Army said on its website. “With the addition of improved situational awareness, flight performance, and joint interoperability, the AH-64E has become the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world.” This story has been updated with additional information.

The United States Army is temporarily halting all Apache helicopter training flights after a crash this week near Fort Hood, Texas, killed two soldiers. “Army leaders directed a temporary stand-down of AH64 Apache training flight operations,” the Army said in a statement. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident.” Investigators from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived at the crash scene on Thursday and will lead the investigation. The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter with seats for two crew members: the pilot in the rear of the aircraft and the co-pilot and gunner in the front, according to the US Army. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth Olmstead, 25, were killed in the crash, according to a statement from Fort Hood. They were both part of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at the base. “Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, Fort Hood commanding general, said in a statement. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.” The four-bladed Apache helicopter can carry 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 aerial rockets and 1,200 rounds for its 30 mm gun. “It is highly mobile, lethal, and can destroy armor, personnel, and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions at ranges out to 8 kms (5 miles),” the Army said on its website. “With the addition of improved situational awareness, flight performance, and joint interoperability, the AH-64E has become the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world.” Apaches have been upgraded and modernized since the aircraft was first introduced in 1984, and they are slated to keep flying until 2050. CNN’s Pete Muntean contributed to this report.

The U.S. Army temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions Friday after a fatal crash in Texas earlier this week killed two soldiers. No cause of the crash was released. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, is leading the investigation, the Army said. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident. We currently have no additional information to share,” the Army said in its statement Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, died when the helicopter crashed in a grassy field Wednesday near Salado, about 30 miles from Fort Hood. They were the only two people on board. Huey entered the Army in 2014, and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. “Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.” Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. And nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Apache attack helicopter had been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apaches have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies over the decades. By JIM VERTUNO, The Associated Press

Two people were killed Wednesday when a Fort Hood AH-64 Apache attack helicopter violently crashed into a field in Central Texas, sparking a wildfire that forced evacuations and sent emergency crews racing to the scene, authorities said. Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said authorities received the call about the crash at approximately 1:34 p.m. The helicopter went down in a field south of Salado, roughly 30 minutes from Fort Hood. KWTX reported the crash occurred off Dove Hollow Lane. Coleman described the crash as violent and confirmed two people were killed. No one else was injured. Coleman identified the aircraft as an Apache helicopter and initially said it was believed to be from Fort Hood, but deferred to military officials for confirmation. Fort Hood later confirmed the aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at the installation. The identities of the two people killed have not been released. Local emergency services, military responders and law enforcement were actively responding to the scene, Fort Hood said in a statement. "Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts," Brigadier General Ethan Diven, First Cavalry Division Acting Commanding General, said. "Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information." Fort Hood called the crash an ongoing and developing situation and said additional information would be released as it becomes available. The crash sparked a wildfire, prompting a large emergency response, road closures and evacuations. Coleman said the fire remained uncontrolled as of 4 p.m. ET and that some residents had been evacuated because of the flames. KWTX reported that Farm to Market Road 2843 was shut down near the crash site. Salado Fire/Bell County ESD #1 said crews were battling a "major grass fire" along FM 2843 and warned the public that the roadway was impassable in the affected area. "Please avoid the roadway and choose an alternate route," the department said in a public safety alert. "This will help keep traffic clear for responding fire and emergency personnel." The department also urged drivers not to attempt to travel through the area or around emergency vehicles. Coleman said Fort Hood is leading the investigation into the crash. The cause has not been released. Abhiram Garapati, a Republican congressional candidate in Texas, offered prayers for those involved in the crash and the first responders at the scene. "My prayers are with those aboard, the first responders responding to the scene, and any individuals affected by the fire that began as a result of the crash," Garapati wrote on Facebook. Fort Hood has not yet released the identities of the crew or additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The United States Army is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights following a deadly crash in Texas earlier this week. Apache helicopter crash near Fort Hood The backstory: Two people were killed Wednesday when a Fort Hood AH-64 Apache attack helicopter violently crashed into a field in Central Texas, sparking a wildfire that forced evacuations and sent emergency crews racing to the scene, authorities said. No cause of the crash was immediately announced. Fort Hood’s criminal investigation division was leading the crash investigation. Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. FILE - US-PARADE-ARMY-POLITICSAn AH-64 Apache helicopter is displayed ahead of this weekend's celebration of the US Army's 250th anniversary, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on June 12, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) Who were the pilots killed in the Fort Hood helicopter crash? Dig deeper: The two people who were killed in Fort Hood were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas. Huey entered the Army in 2014 and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. The Source: Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and previous reporting by FOX 7 Austin and FOX News. This story was reported from San Jose.

(AP) - The U.S. Army temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions Friday after a fatal crash in Texas earlier this week killed two soldiers. No cause of the Wednesday crash has been released because the investigation has just begun. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, is trying to determine what happened, the Army said. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,” the Army said in its statement Friday. The military has taken similar action after past crashes. Three years ago, the Army grounded all aviation units until they completed some additional training after 12 soldiers died in separate crashes in Alaska and Kentucky. The Army made no mention of stopping the combat missions that Apache helicopters are regularly flying in the war in Iran. These helicopters have been employed around the Strait of Hormuz as part of the measures to maintain open navigation channels. One Apache crashed after running into an Iranian drone. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, were killed in the Texas crash, the Army said. They were the only two people on board when the helicopter crashed in a grassy field near Salado, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Fort Hood. Huey entered the Army in 2014 and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. “Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.” Aviation safety expert John Cox said it’s encouraging to see the Army take this step because “you’re guessing until you get some hard answers” and this move signals the Army is making safety a priority. “I am very much glad to see them doing that. It says that they’re being proactive,” said Cox, who is CEO of Safety Operating Systems and a longtime pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board criticized the Army’s safety culture sharply during the investigation of last year’s collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet in the skies near Washington, D.C. The NTSB said the Army did a poor job recognizing some of the safety risks in the busy airspace around the nation’s capital before that crash in January 2025 that killed 67 people. Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. And nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters. The Apache attack helicopter has been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apaches have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies over the decades. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

SALADO, Texas (KWTX) - The acting commanding general of the First Cavalry Division confirmed two Fort Hood soldiers were killed when an Army Apache helicopter crashed near Salado, Texas, Wednesday afternoon. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, 1st Cavalry Division acting commanding general. Fort Hood confirmed the aircraft was one of its AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. CBS News reported the crew was on a training mission out of Ford Hood when the crash occurred. “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Diven, who added Fort Hood personnel would remain on scene working in coordination with local first responders. The helicopter crashed in a field off Dove Hollow Lane. Farm to Market Road 2843 was shut down for hours near the site of the crash, described as “violent” by Cliff Coleman with the Bell County Sheriff’s Office. The fiery crash sparked a grass fire and several homes in the area were evacuated. The Texas A&M Forest Service is at the scene and told KWTX the grass fire grew to about 155 acres Wednesday afternoon. At last check, it was 95 percent contained. WEB XTRA: Cliff Coleman with Bell County Sheriff’s Office news conference This is a developing story. No further information is available. Copyright 2026 KWTX. All rights reserved.

FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - The U.S. Army has halted all Apache helicopter training missions following a fatal crash near Salado earlier this week that killed two Fort Hood soldiers. The Army has identified the soldiers as Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34. Both were Killeen ISD graduates. Olmstead and Huey were conducting a maintenance test flight in an Apache helicopter Tuesday afternoon when the Army said a mishap occurred and the aircraft crashed near Salado. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Army-wide stand-down The Army said the training stand-down will remain in effect until investigators have a better understanding of the cause of the crash. The Apache attack helicopter has been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apaches have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies over the decades. Soldiers’ ties to Central Texas Huey graduated from Killeen High School in 2011 and joined the Army in 2014. Olmstead graduated from Harker Heights High School in 2019 and joined the Army in 2023. Killeen ISD released a statement following the crash. “Killeen ISD joins our Fort Hood and Central Texas communities in mourning the loss of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead. Both Soldiers were Killeen ISD graduates. Huey graduated from Killeen High School in 2011, and Olmstead graduated from Harker Heights High School in 2019. Our schools and Fort Hood have been connected for generations, and we share in the grief of their families, friends, fellow Soldiers, former classmates and all who knew and loved them. We are proud they were part of the KISD family, grateful for their service, and know our world is better because they were in it,” the district said. Army’s use of ‘mishap’ Army officials said the term “mishap” refers to any unplanned event that leads to damage of military equipment or injury or illness to active-duty service members or civilians working for or visiting an Army installation. The Army said it does not release the cause of mishaps to the public. The crash is the fourth involving an Army Apache helicopter this year and the only one to result in the death of a service member. Copyright 2026 KWTX. All rights reserved.

NewsLocal NewsIn Your NeighborhoodFort Hood Actions Army suspends Apache helicopter training after deadly Fort Hood crash !AP03090206448.jpg Next Photo by: AP Photo FILE: AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter in flight !AP03090206448.jpg By: Billy Banks Posted 9:26 PM, Aug 14, 2026 and last updated 9:28 PM, Aug 14, 2026 Billy Banks Hi! I'm Billy, a producer here at 25 News KXXV and 15 ABC KRHD! WASHINGTON (KXXV) — The U.S. Army has halted all AH64 Apache training flights following Wednesday's deadly crash near Fort Hood that killed two soldiers. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, died when their helicopter crashed during a maintenance test flight near Salado. The crash sparked a 155-acre wildfire that required over 200 firefighters to contain. The nationwide stand-down will remain in effect until officials determine the root cause of the accident. Army leadership expressed condolences to the families and thanked first responders for their immediate action. The investigation is ongoing with no timeline for resuming Apache training operations. Recommended For You Marketplace Powered by

World, August 13: Crash of a military helicopter in the United States, 2 dead Military helicopter crash in the United States; White House press secretary Leavitt will leave his post; Magnitude 5.6 earthquake in Japan... are the notable news. Military helicopter accident in Texas, United States, 2 dead A military attack helicopter crashed in a field in central Texas and caught fire, killing 2 pilots aboard, forcing authorities to evacuate local residents. The Apache at Fort Hood military base crashed in Salado, Texas, around 1:35 p.m. local time. Mr. Cliff Coleman, spokesman for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed the deaths of the 2 pilots. The crash triggered a large, uncontrolled fire. By 5 p.m. local time, the fire had spread to about 100 acres and was only 45% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service incident monitoring system. Footage from the scene showed debris scattered on the burned ground as firefighters put out the remaining flames. The helicopter did not crash into construction sites or civilians, Mr. Coleman said. "It crashed in a field, and it is clear that it was a very violent accident," he said. The identities of the 2 pilots have not been released. It is unknown where the helicopter came from and where it was heading. The AH-64 Apache is a two-person attack helicopter capable of carrying 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 rockets, and 1,200 rounds for the 30 mm cannon. This aircraft family entered service in 1984 and is expected to remain in operation until 2050. A magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the Fiji Islands region, Japan The German research center GFZ said a magnitude 5.6 earthquake shook the Fiji Islands region at 22:13 GMT on August 12 (local time). The epicenter, at a depth of 581.9 km, was initially identified as located at 17.79 degrees south latitude and 178.52 degrees west longitude. The White House press secretary, Leavitt, will leave his post. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt would leave her post at the end of August. Ms. Leavitt left "to be able to spend more time with her family and her adorable young children," Trump shared in a post on social media. Now, Karoline will become one of my principal external advisors and an influential voice within the Republican Party as we strive to make history and win a decisive midterm election victory," Trump said. Ms. Leavitt is the youngest person ever to hold the post of White House press secretary.

Why the US Army has suspended Apache training flights after deadly crash The US Army has temporarily suspended all AH-64 Apache training flights following a fatal helicopter crash near Fort Hood, Texas, that killed two soldiers earlier this week. Army leaders ordered the temporary stand-down as investigators work to determine what caused the crash, Anadolu Agency reported. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,” the Army said in a statement. Investigators from the Army Combat Readiness Center arrived at the crash site on Thursday and will oversee the investigation into the incident. The AH-64 Apache is a two-seat attack helicopter. The pilot sits in the rear cockpit, while the co-pilot and gunner occupy the front position, according to the Army. The two soldiers killed in the crash were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth Olmstead, 25, according to Fort Hood. Both were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. The suspension affects Apache training flight operations across the Army while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. The stand-down is expected to remain in place until Army officials have a clearer understanding of the accident’s root cause. News.Az By Aysel Mammadzada

Par Le Figaro with AFP Save an article To save an article you must be connected, you will be able to consult them on all your devices. New! Listen to your articles with more natural voices and an improved audio reader An AH-64E Apache, a United States Army attack helicopter “based at Fort Hood” that crashed today in Salado, in central Texas. An American military helicopter crashed on Wednesday in Texas, killing two soldiers, according to the base from which the aircraft operated. An AH-64E Apache, a United States Army attack helicopter “based at Fort Hood” that crashed today in Salado, in central Texas, and “two soldiers have indeed died,” the base wrote in a statement. It does not specify what the aircraft was doing at the time of the accident. In mid-June, a heavy American B-52 bomber had crashed shortly after takeoff in California, killing its eight occupants. VIDEO – A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, killing 241 people and injuring more than 500. Dramatic footage shows the extent of the damage in several cities across the country. These controls, implemented “in response to the persistence of irregular migratory pressure” that Italy is facing, will begin Saturday at midnight and last until September 7, according to the Spanish Interior Ministry. More than seven months after the Crans-Mou Montana tragedy (Switzerland), the Italian press revealed images showing, among other things, the desperate attempts by the patrons to exit the burned bar. DECRYPTION - The American Secretary of State, of Cuban origin, settles in Spanish with Delcy Rodriguez, the Venezuelan vice president, the country’s affairs. DECRYPTION - Consumer prices are up 3.4% year over year. This is the slowest pace since February thanks to the lull in oil prices at the start of summer. Purchasing power remains a source of discontent for Americans. CHRONICLE - The Mecca Treaty, signed on August 7 by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is a major turning point in the security architecture of the Middle East, as since 1945 Saudi Arabia’s external security depended exclusively on the United States. NARRATION - The river’s flow is collapsing, its reservoirs are draining, and Washington must arbitrate the water share among the states. In the face of this drought, several technical solutions are being tested to produce drinkable water. NARRATION - These smart cameras, which proliferate in the country, record the routes and appearance of all vehicles. Misconduct is multiplying, as are the destructions of these devices intended for the police. Digital attacks have multiplied in recent days and would now concern the IT infrastructures of twelve American states. DECRYPTION - The negotiations, presented as about to bear fruit, would eventually reopen the strait to navigation, but Iran’s intention to levy a passage fee, which did not exist before the war, has created a dangerous precedent. NARRATION - The religions, very present in Cubans’ daily lives, alternate between distrust and neutrality toward the communist authorities. CHRONICLE - Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in the Michigan Democrat primary for the U.S. Senate signals an unprecedented shift among Democrats, as well as a broader realignment of the political space and the American party system. Not satisfied with the platform’s tilt, the American president allegedly asked workers to redo everything.

A military helicopter crashed this Wednesday, August 12, in a field in central Texas, United States. The accident, involving only an Apache attack helicopter, occurred at 1:35 p.m. local time near the Fort Hood military base. The two pilots on board were confirmed dead by Cliff Coleman, spokesman for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, reports CNN. The aircraft would not have struck any structure or person, elements that could explain the accident. The helicopter’s origin and destination are not known at this time. Local emergency services, the military, and law enforcement were on the scene. “Our immediate priority is to secure the site and support the first responders,” said Brigadier General Ethan Diven, interim commander, in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families while we await further information.”

This browser does not support the Video element. The United States Army is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights following a deadly crash in Texas earlier this week. Apache helicopter crash near Fort Hood The backstory: Two people were killed Wednesday when a Fort Hood AH-64 Apache attack helicopter violently crashed into a field in Central Texas, sparking a wildfire that forced evacuations and sent emergency crews racing to the scene, authorities said. No cause of the crash was immediately announced. Fort Hood’s criminal investigation division was leading the crash investigation. Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. FILE - US-PARADE-ARMY-POLITICS An AH-64 Apache helicopter is displayed ahead of this weekend's celebration of the US Army's 250th anniversary, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on June 12, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Image … Who were the pilots killed in the Fort Hood helicopter crash? Dig deeper: The two people who were killed in Fort Hood were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas. Huey entered the Army in 2014 and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. The Source: Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and previous reporting by FOX 7 Austin and FOX News. This story was reported from San Jose.

Two soldiers were killed Wednesday when a U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field south of Fort Hood, sparking a large grass fire, officials say. Cliff Coleman, public information officer for the Bell County Sheriff's Office, said the agency began receiving 911 calls at about 1:34 p.m. about a helicopter crash and a large fire along the 16500 block of Kuykendall Branch Road about a half-mile west of Interstate 35 and south of Salado. Coleman said deputies with the Bell County Sheriff's Office arrived and confirmed the crash and an "out-of-control fire." Officials with the Army Post confirmed Wednesday afternoon that an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter had crashed and that two soldiers were killed. No other injuries were reported after the crash. The deceased service members will be transported to the Post's Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, and their identities will be released Thursday after their families have been notified of their deaths. "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time," said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, 1st Cavalry Division, acting commanding general. Coleman said earlier in the afternoon that a Bell County justice of the peace pronounced the occupants of the helicopter dead at about 2:30 p.m. Texas News News from around the state of Texas. “You could tell it was a violent crash,” Coleman said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. The cause of the crash has not been confirmed, and Fort Hood's Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation. Bell County Emergency Services District 1 said Farm-to-Market Road 2843, north of the crash site and about 15 miles south of the Army Post, was impassable because of the major grass fire. Officials asked people in the area to avoid driving through the area or around emergency vehicles. No structures or buildings were damaged, but several homes in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. At about 5 p.m., officials said the fire had burned about 100 acres. Coleman said during a news conference at about 3 p.m. Wednesday that several fire departments were working on the fire but that it was not contained. The Boeing-built Apache attack helicopter was first built in 1984 and is used by the U.S. Army and at least 18 other partner countries. The helicopter carries a crew of two, can climb to 20,000 feet, and can fly more than 170 mph. According to Boeing, the Apache is expected to be in production into the 2030s and will be the world's primary attack helicopter into the 2060s.

Two soldiers who were on a military helicopter were killed Wednesday when it crashed in Salado, Texas, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office said. They were pronounced dead after officials responded to 911 calls around 1:30 p.m., sheriff’s spokesperson Cliff Coleman said. Salado is about 50 miles north of Austin. The Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is based at Fort Hood, the military installation said. The soldiers were taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, and their names are being withheld until 24 hours after their families could be notified. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, said in a statement. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott asked for prayers for the soldiers’ families and the Fort Hood community. “Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation,” he wrote on X. No structures were damaged, and no other injuries were reported, Coleman said. “It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,” Coleman told reporters at the scene. The crash caused a large fire that “looks to be out of control,” he said. It burned a large area of land and prompted some evacuations in the area. As of 7 p.m., the fire had spread to 155 acres and was 85% contained, Coleman said. Local emergency responders, military personnel and law enforcement officers all responded to the incident. The Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Hood is leading the inquiry. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform, the Army says on its website, calling it “the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world.”

An AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter in flight during an aviation gunnery exercise on Fort Hood, Texas, March 31. (CNN) —The United States Army is temporarily halting all Apache helicopter training flights aftera crash this weeknear Fort Hood, Texas, killed two soldiers. “Army leaders directed a temporary stand-down of AH64 Apache training flight operations,”the Army said in a statement. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident.” Investigators from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived at the crash scene on Thursday and will lead the investigation. The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter with seats for two crew members: the pilot in the rear of the aircraft and the co-pilot and gunner in the front, according to the US Army. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth Olmstead, 25, were killed in the crash,according to a statement from Fort Hood. They were both part of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at the base. “Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, Fort Hood commanding general, said in a statement. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.” The four-bladed Apache helicopter can carry 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 aerial rockets and 1,200 rounds for its 30 mm gun. “It is highly mobile, lethal, and can destroy armor, personnel, and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions at ranges out to 8 kms (5 miles),” the Army said on itswebsite. “With the addition of improved situational awareness, flight performance, and joint interoperability, the AH-64E has become the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world.” Apaches have been upgraded and modernized since the aircraft was first introduced in 1984, and they are slated to keep flying until 2050. The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. CNN’s Pete Muntean contributed to this report.

The U.S. Army said on Aug. 14 that it had temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training flights following a recent crash in Texas that killed two soldiers. The U.S. Army Fort Hood Media Center said in a statement on Aug. 14 that the Apache helicopter experienced “a mishap” around 1:40 p.m. on Aug. 12 during a maintenance test flight in Salado, Texas, before crashing near Fort Hood. The Army extended its condolences to the families and friends of the two pilots, adding that an investigation to determine the cause of the crash remains ongoing. “We mourn these aviators, and our deepest condolences remain with their families, friends, and unit during this extraordinarily difficult time,” it stated. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, joined the U.S. Army in February 2014 as a motor transport operator and had been assigned to the unit since February 2022. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, entered the U.S. Army in January 2023 as a warrant officer candidate before being assigned to the unit in October 2025. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-bladed attack helicopter typically crewed by two people, which was designed as a weapons delivery platform. Boeing said the helicopter has accumulated a collective 1.3 million flight hours of combat.

Jim Vertuno, Associated PressJim Vertuno, Associated Press Josh Funk, Associated PressJosh Funk, Associated Press Leave your feedback The U.S. Army temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions Friday after a fatal crash in Texas earlier this week killed two soldiers. No cause of the Wednesday crash has been released because the investigation has just begun. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, is trying to determine what happened, the Army said. "The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident," the Army said in its statement Friday. The military has taken similar action after past crashes. Three years ago, the Army grounded all aviation units until they completed some additional training after 12 soldiers died in separate crashes in Alaska and Kentucky. READ MORE:U.S. Army grounds aviators until units complete training after fatal crashes The Army made no mention of stopping the combat missions that Apache helicopters are regularly flying in the war in Iran. These helicopters have been employed around the Strait of Hormuz as part of the measures to maintain open navigation channels. One Apache crashed after running into an Iranian drone. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, were killed in the Texas crash, the Army said. They were the only two people on board when the helicopter crashed in a grassy field near Salado, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Fort Hood. Huey entered the Army in 2014 and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. "Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday," said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. "The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community." Aviation safety expert John Cox said it's encouraging to see the Army take this step because "you're guessing until you get some hard answers" and this move signals the Army is making safety a priority. "I am very much glad to see them doing that. It says that they're being proactive," said Cox, who is CEO of Safety Operating Systems and a longtime pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board criticized the Army's safety culture sharply during the investigation of last year's collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet in the skies near Washington, D.C. The NTSB said the Army did a poor job recognizing some of the safety risks in the busy airspace around the nation's capital before that crash in January 2025 that killed 67 people. Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. And nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters. The Apache attack helicopter has been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apaches have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies over the decades. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Left:Emergency personnel respond to the crash of an AH-64 Apache military helicopter, attached to the U.S. Army base of Fort Hood, near Salado, Texas, Aug. 12, 2026. Photo provided by Cliff Coleman/Bell County Sheriff's Office/Handout via Reuters ByAssociated Press ByJohn Yang, Winston Wilde, Andrew Chambers ByAssociated Press ByMartha Bellisle, Associated Press ByDylan Lovan, Associated Press Jim Vertuno, Associated PressJim Vertuno, Associated Press Josh Funk, Associated PressJosh Funk, Associated Press The U.S. Army temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions Friday after a fatal crash in Texas earlier this week killed two soldiers. No cause of the Wednesday crash has been released because the investigation has just begun. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, is trying to determine what happened, the Army said. "The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident," the Army said in its statement Friday. The military has taken similar action after past crashes. Three years ago, the Army grounded all aviation units until they completed some additional training after 12 soldiers died in separate crashes in Alaska and Kentucky. READ MORE:U.S. Army grounds aviators until units complete training after fatal crashes The Army made no mention of stopping the combat missions that Apache helicopters are regularly flying in the war in Iran. These helicopters have been employed around the Strait of Hormuz as part of the measures to maintain open navigation channels. One Apache crashed after running into an Iranian drone. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, were killed in the Texas crash, the Army said. They were the only two people on board when the helicopter crashed in a grassy field near Salado, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Fort Hood. Huey entered the Army in 2014 and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. "Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday," said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. "The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community." Aviation safety expert John Cox said it's encouraging to see the Army take this step because "you're guessing until you get some hard answers" and this move signals the Army is making safety a priority. "I am very much glad to see them doing that. It says that they're being proactive," said Cox, who is CEO of Safety Operating Systems and a longtime pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board criticized the Army's safety culture sharply during the investigation of last year's collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet in the skies near Washington, D.C. The NTSB said the Army did a poor job recognizing some of the safety risks in the busy airspace around the nation's capital before that crash in January 2025 that killed 67 people. Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. And nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters. The Apache attack helicopter has been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apaches have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies over the decades. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. ByAssociated Press ByJohn Yang, Winston Wilde, Andrew Chambers ByAssociated Press ByMartha Bellisle, Associated Press ByDylan Lovan, Associated Press

The US Army has temporarily suspended all Apache helicopter training missions following a deadly crash at Fort Hood, Texas, that killed two soldiers and prompted a safety investigation. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,” the US Army said in a statement on Friday. The crash occurred on Wednesday, but the US Army has not disclosed a possible cause as investigators from the US Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, examine the circumstances. Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson William Coleman described the crash as severe, saying, “You could tell this was a violent crash,” while confirming that the helicopter struck no buildings but ignited a wildfire. Temporary aviation stand-downs are not unusual after fatal military crashes, with the US Army taking similar action three years ago after 12 soldiers were killed in separate aviation accidents in Alaska and Kentucky. The latest crash comes amid broader scrutiny of the US Army’s aviation safety, after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sharply criticized the service’s safety practices during its investigation into the January 2025 collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Washington, DC, which killed 67 people. The NTSB found that the Army had failed to adequately recognize safety risks in the heavily congested airspace around the US capital before the collision. Fort Hood, a major US military installation covering about 215,000 acres, has previously seen fatal training accidents, including a 2015 Black Hawk crash that killed four soldiers. The AH-64 Apache has been a central part of US Army aviation since the first aircraft was delivered in 1984, with more than 5,000 Apaches having been operated by the US military and its allies over the decades.

Rescuers are on the scene of a US Army helicopter crash in the state of Texas, on August 12, 2026. Photo: Reuters / Bell County Sheriff's Office A U.S. Army Apache AH-64E attack helicopter, based at Fort Hood, crashed today in Salado, central Texas, and two soldiers were killed, the base said in a statement. The report does not specify what the aircraft was doing at the time of the crash. In mid-June, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress heavy bomber had crashed shortly after takeoff in California, killing all eight aboard. Canadian and American negotiators met for the third time in as many weeks. International agencies and environmental groups are sounding the alarm. She will leave her post at the end of the month to devote herself to her family. Neither the City nor the SPVM confirms having installed this license plate-reading device. Details will be known next week, according to sources at Radio-Canada.

Aug 12 (Reuters) - Two U.S. Army soldiers died when an Apache military helicopter attached to the service's Fort Hood base crashed into a field in Texas on Wednesday, sparking a large grass fire, officials said. The accident occurred in Bell County, about 60 miles (100 km) north of the state capital Austin, said Cliff Coleman, a spokesperson with the Bell County Sheriff's Office. Sign up here. The Bell County justice of the peace declared dead two people who had been on board, Coleman said. "Today, an Apache helicopter crashed in Bell County during Fort Hood operations, killing two members of our military," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on X. Fort Hood confirmed in a statement that an AH-64 attack helicopter crashed and two soldiers died but withheld their identification pending notification to their families. Images provided by Coleman showed firefighters examining burning debris amid a large patch of charred grass, with smoke billowing from the scene. Several local fire departments responded to the blaze, he said. Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Vista, California; Editing by Jamie Freed Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio. The US Army has temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions after a fatal crash in Texas killed two soldiers earlier this week. On Friday, Army leaders directed a stand-down of AH-64 Apache training flight operations following the Wednesday incident near Fort Hood. “Army leaders directed a temporary stand-down of AH64 Apache training flight operations,” the Army said in a statement. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident.” The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in a grassy field near Salado, Texas, about 30 miles from the base, during a maintenance test flight. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, were the only two people on board and were killed. Both were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Bill Coleman described the scene as severe. “You could tell this was a violent crash,” he said, noting the helicopter did not strike any buildings but sparked a wildfire. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived Thursday to lead the probe. No cause has been released as the investigation remains in its early stages. The temporary pause applies only to training flights; the US Army has not indicated any changes to operational or combat missions involving the long-serving attack helicopter.

The Army is temporarily halting all Apache helicopter training flights after two soldiers were killed in a crash this week. On Friday afternoon, the Army said leaders ordered a “temporary stand-down of AH64 Apache training flight operations.” The announcement came two days after an AH-64E Apache from 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood crashed during a maintenance test flight. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,” the statement said. “We currently have no additional information to share.” The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is investigating the cause of the crash. The Apache crashed roughly 30 miles away from the base, in Salado, Texas. The crash killed Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, two pilots assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. The two-seater attack helicopter has been in service since the 1980s and has been updated to deal with changing tactics and weapons. Wednesday’s crash was the latest in several military aviation mishaps inside the United States over the last four months. The crashes have involved aircraft from across the military and some have been fatal.

An army Apache helicopter crashed in a central Texas field on Wednesday, killing both people on board and sparking a wildfire that forced several homes to be evacuated, a sheriff’s official said. Officials from nearby Fort Hood announced that the AH-64 Apache helicopter had crashed. Cliff Coleman, spokesperson for the Bell county sheriff’s office, confirmed that both occupants had died. A military official told the Associated Press that the crashed Apache had been out on a routine training flight when it went down. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a developing situation. No cause was immediately announced. Fort Hood’s criminal investigation division was leading the crash investigation, Coleman said. Fort Hood is a large base with 214,968 acres (86,994 hectares) used to train and deploy heavy forces. The army says the rolling, arid terrain around the base provides an ideal training ground. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. And nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters. The helicopter did not hit any homes or other structures when it crashed, Coleman said. “You could tell it was a violent crash,” Coleman said. Photographs from the scene showed firefighters walking around a charred field as plumes of dark smoke rose from flames still burning in the wreckage. “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig Gen Ethan Diven, acting commanding general. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.” The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter has been a key part of the military’s fleet since the first versions were deployed in 1984. The Apache crew sits behind each other with the pilot in the rear and the co-pilot gunner in the front position.

The US Army on Friday (local time) announced a temporary halt to all Apache helicopter training missions, two days after a crash in Texas killed both soldiers on board. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,” the Army said in a statement. The cause of the crash has not been determined, as the investigation is still in its early stages. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, is examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Army’s statement, however, did not mention any suspension of Apache combat missions currently being carried out in the war in Iran. The helicopters have been operating around the Strait of Hormuz as part of efforts to keep navigation channels open. The military has taken similar measures after previous aviation accidents. In 2023, the Army grounded all aviation units and ordered additional training after 12 soldiers were killed in separate crashes in Alaska and Kentucky. Also Read: Fatal US Apache crash puts spotlight back on killer helicopter's safety recordWho were the victims? The Army identified Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, as the soldiers killed in the Texas crash. They were the only two people aboard the helicopter when it crashed a grassy field near Salado, about 48 km from Fort Hood. Huey joined the Army in 2014, while Olmstead enlisted in 2023. Both were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. The Army has faced scrutiny over its aviation safety practices in the past. During its investigation into last year’s collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines pass. The NTSB said the Army had failed to adequately identify some of the safety risks associated with the heavily congested airspace around the US capital. The January 2025 collision killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft. Fort Hood, one of the US military’s largest bases, covers about 214,968 acres and is used to train and deploy heavy forces.enger jet near Washington, DC, the National Transportation Safety Board sharply criticised the Army’s safety culture. The facility has also witnessed several deadly accidents. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. The following year, nine Fort Hood soldiers died after their vehicle was swept into a rain-swollen creek.

Aug. 12 (UPI) --An Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed into a field in Salado, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon, bursting into flames and killing the two soldiers on board, the U.S. Army said. "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and fellow troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time," said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, 1st Cavalry Division acting commanding general,in a statement. The crash of the AH-64E Apache helicopter sparked a large, uncontrolled wildfire, said Cliff Coleman, a spokesman for the Bell County Sheriff's Office. Some evacuation orders for local residents were in effect Wednesday evening. Not long after the crash, which was less than 20 miles from Fort Hood, the Salado Fire Department and Bell County Emergency Service District 1were responding to a major grass fireand that the road was impassable in the area. It asked people to avoid the route to make room for emergency vehicles. Texas A&M Fire Service saidabout 6:30 p.m. that the fire had covered about 155 acres and about 85% controlled. A U.S. Army press release said that the deceased soldiers, who have not yet been identified, have been transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. Fort Hood personnel remained on scene and were working with first responders. Texas Gov.Greg Abbottoffered his condolences to the families of those involvedin a social media post. "Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation," Abbott said.

(AP) - The U.S. Army temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions Friday after a fatal crash in Texas earlier this week killed two soldiers. No cause of the Wednesday crash has been released because the investigation has just begun. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, is trying to determine what happened, the Army said. “The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident,” the Army said in its statement Friday. The military has taken similar action after past crashes. Three years ago, the Army grounded all aviation units until they completed some additional training after 12 soldiers died in separate crashes in Alaska and Kentucky. The Army made no mention of stopping the combat missions that Apache helicopters are regularly flying in the war in Iran. These helicopters have been employed around the Strait of Hormuz as part of the measures to maintain open navigation channels. One Apache crashed after running into an Iranian drone. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, were killed in the Texas crash, the Army said. They were the only two people on board when the helicopter crashed in a grassy field near Salado, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Fort Hood. Huey entered the Army in 2014 and Olmstead entered in 2023. They were assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. “Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.” Aviation safety expert John Cox said it’s encouraging to see the Army take this step because “you’re guessing until you get some hard answers” and this move signals the Army is making safety a priority. “I am very much glad to see them doing that. It says that they’re being proactive,” said Cox, who is CEO of Safety Operating Systems and a longtime pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board criticized the Army’s safety culture sharply during the investigation of last year’s collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet in the skies near Washington, D.C. The NTSB said the Army did a poor job recognizing some of the safety risks in the busy airspace around the nation’s capital before that crash in January 2025 that killed 67 people. Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (86,995 hectares) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces. In November 2015, four soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. And nine Fort Hood soldiers died in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters. The Apache attack helicopter has been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. More than 5,000 Apaches have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies over the decades. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The U.S. Army on Friday ordered a temporary grounding of all Apache helicopter training missions, following a fatal crash in central Texas that killed two on Wednesday. The suspension will remain in effect until the military completes a thorough investigation into the crash's root cause, officials said. The helicopter crashed in Salado, Texas around 13:35 local time, and the two pilots on board were confirmed dead, said Cliff Coleman, spokesperson for the Bell County Sheriff's Office. The military said the aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at nearby Fort Hood, a major U.S. Army base. An investigation into the incident was launched and emergency response efforts were underway. US Army halts Apache helicopter training missions after fatal crash Rescuers in the city of Pereira, western Colombia continued their desperate efforts on Thursday to comb through the rubble left by Monday's devastating earthquake, seeking signs of possible life. The 7.5-magnitude quake struck the region at 07:34 local time on Monday, completely collapsing the eight-story Dibeni Hotel, a landmark in Pereira. At the time of the disaster, 13 people were inside the hotel, and as of Wednesday, eight bodies had been recovered from the debris. To enhance their search efforts, search and rescue teams requested silence beginning at 14:00 on Thursday, listening intently for faint sounds that might indicate survivors. They repeatedly called into the wreckage, holding their breath in hopes of detecting a response. Sniffer dogs were deployed to help locate any possible remaining trapped individuals. In a second effort for absolute silence, rescuers instructed everyone on site to refrain from talking or moving, turning off all machinery. Despite these extensive measures, the search did not yield the hoped-for results. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reported on Friday that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 287, with 3,975 injuries. The UNGRD’s latest update said that the quake affected 15 departments and 437 municipalities, impacting 56,448 families and 135,179 people. Additionally, 378 people remain unaccounted for, while 354 have been rescued. The earthquake caused damage to 238 health centers, 2,486 schools, 2,093 community centers, 254 roads, 87 aqueducts, 50 vehicular bridges, seven pedestrian bridges, and five airports. Desperate search for survivors continues after devastating earthquake in Pereira, Colombia