Two U.S. Army pilots were killed after a Fort Hood-based AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed in Central Texas on Wednesday, August 12, during what officials described as a routine training flight.
The helicopter went down in a field near Salado, Texas, at around 1:35 p.m. Both people aboard the aircraft died in the crash. Officials said the helicopter did not hit any buildings or people on the ground.
The impact, however, sparked a major grass wildfire that spread across approximately 100 acres, prompting emergency crews to respond quickly. Authorities ordered evacuations in nearby areas and closed surrounding roads as firefighters worked to contain the flames.
The Apache was assigned to Fort Hood, one of the U.S. Army’s major installations and an important center for military training and combat aviation.
The identities of the two pilots have not yet been released as officials work to notify their families. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and Fort Hood’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation with support from local authorities.
The tragic incident highlights the risks involved in military aviation, even during routine training missions, and the potential impact such accidents can have on nearby communities.