Two US Army Apache attack helicopters from Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, collided in mid-air on Thursday, killing three soldiers and injuring another. The accident occurred during a training exercise, with the helicopters reportedly returning to base when the collision happened. The two AH-64 Apache helicopters were part of the 11th Airborne Division’s 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment at Fort Wainwright. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released as the next of kin are yet to be notified.
The Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Novosel, Alabama, is investigating the cause of the crash. Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, expressed condolences for the families of the soldiers, stating that “our hearts and prayers go out to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we are making the full resources of the Army available to support them.” The Emergency Assistance Center at Fort Wainwright has been activated to provide support to those affected.
This is the second incident involving Fort Wainwright helicopters in the last few months. In February, one of four Apache helicopters traveling from Fort Wainwright to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson crashed during takeoff after refueling at the Talkeetna Airport, injuring two soldiers. In March, two Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a training exercise in Kentucky, killing nine soldiers.
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