Army helicopter on training flight crashes; two pilots dead

Associated Press

[RCW2001]

Friday, December 13, 2002
©2002 Associated Press

URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2002/12/13/national1015EST0553.DTL

(12-13) 07:15 PST FORT RUCKER, Ala. (AP) --

An Army helicopter on a training mission crashed while returning to Fort Rucker, killing two pilots, authorities said Friday.

The U.S. Army Aviation Center said the AH-64D Longbow Apache crashed Thursday night about 12 miles north-northwest of Fort Rucker's main post. The names of the pilots were withheld until relatives could be notified.

The cause of the accident was under investigation by Army safety officials.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of these two pilots," said Lt. Col. James Bullinger, command spokesman.

The pilots were conducting routine flight training when the helicopter was reported missing about 10 p.m. A ground and air search began after attempts to contact the aircraft by radio failed. The helicopter was found about 6:20 a.m. Friday in a wooded area.

Fort Rucker is about 100 miles southeast of Montgomery.

©2002 Associated Press  

[NormsRevenge]

Condolences and prayers for these 2 fine young men and their families and friends.

Semper Fi

[Aerohawk]

We're currently stationed down at Ft. Rucker and I can tell you the weather last night was bad. I could hear the Apaches flying back and forth to the range where they were firing and I was amazed they were out in that kind of weather. It's too bad. My prayers go out to their families.

[1riot1ranger]

Can you ping me if you hear the names released? My cousin, an army reserve helicopter pilot, was leaving after Thanksgiving to begin training prior to an assignment in Bosnia.
Thanks!

[SwinneySwitch]

Prayers for the families.

[section9]

We're currently stationed down at Ft. Rucker and I can tell you the weather last night was bad. I could hear the Apaches flying back and forth to the range where they were firing and I was amazed they were out in that kind of weather. It's too bad. My prayers go out to their families.

First, condolences to the families of the two soldiers. May the Good Lord keep them close.

Second: have you considered for a moment why they are training Apache pilots in horrible whether, at night?

Be Seeing You,

Chris Second

[buffyt]

An army black helicopter flew over my house the other day, those things are so big and loud. From now on when they fly over I will remember these two lost pilots, and I will say a prayer for the safety of those flying over.... Instead of complaining about how loud they are!!!! God Bless Them ALL!!!!!

[redhawk]

I'm in the Az Army National Guard, the pilot of this Apache
was one of ours. He was a young Lt. with a couple of kids.
This is a really bad deal, especially right before Christmas. The family definitely needs out prayers.