Read about the recent AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter crash near Salt Lake City, leaving two pilots injured. The incident raises questions about the safety of military aviation operations.
AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopter Mishap Raises Safety Concerns
Two American military pilots were hospitalized after their AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Salt Lake City. The crash occurred near the Army Aviation Support Facility in West Jordan, with the pilots managing to free themselves from the wreckage and being taken to a local hospital in stable condition.
The two-seater aircraft was carrying a National Guard instructor pilot and an Air Force pilot on a familiarization flight, where a pilot new to the aircraft receives guidance from an experienced instructor. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, with no ammunition onboard the helicopter at the time of the crash.
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This unfortunate incident raises concerns as it marks the third accident involving the unit’s Apache since 2007. Moreover, a safety stand-down was ordered in 2023 following other helicopter mishaps, which resulted in injuries and fatalities. The Army’s own five-year safety review identified human error as the primary cause in 87% of class-A mishaps, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.
With a thorough investigation underway, questions about the safety of military aviation operations persist. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by helicopter crews and the importance of continual improvement in safety protocols and training to prevent future mishaps.