Due to two AH-64 Apache helicopters crashing into one another, Gen. James McConville, Chief of Staff, grounded all military aircraft, except those needed for "critical missions." The suspension was effective immediately, with all units grounded until army training was completed.
During March alone, the recent airborne incidents left 12 soldiers dead. In hopes to reduce future incidents, the US Army will focus on safety and training protocols to ensure that both the pilots and crew have the training, knowledge, and awareness to safely complete assigned missions.
Chief of Staff Calls For a Safety Stand-Down
Gen. McConville grounded all aircraft after two helicopters crashed into each other near Fort Wainwright in Alaska. This incident claimed the life of three soldiers in the 11th Airborne Division and left one severely wounded.
The US Army stated that the Chief of Staff ordered an "aviation stand-down" after the two recent fatal aircraft accidents. Gen. McCoville states that the stand-down will ensure the safety of their personnel and prevent any more accidents.
During March, two Black Hawk helicopters that were being used for a routine training exercise had a mid-air collision near Fort Campbell in Kentucky. The collision left nine soldiers dead, marking the incident as one of the deadliest training accidents in the US Army's history.
In addition to those crashes, another Black Hawk crash occurred in Alabama which left two Tennessee National Guard soldiers dead. In February, two soldiers were injured due to the Apache helicopter crash in Alaska.
The order issues grounded all aircraft, including planes deployed overseas in Iraq, Europe, and Syria. However, as explained by an Army official to Military.com, officers with a rank of two-star general and above can dismiss the stand-down order during emergencies like medical evacuations.
Each Army unit reports that they will be able to return to normal operations once they finish their training.
Active-duty troops will be required to complete training within 24 hours for the first week of May. On the other hand, National Guards and Reserve units have until May 31 to complete their training.
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Cause of Deadly US Army Helicopter Crashes Remain Unknown
John Pennel, a spokesperson for the US Army Alaska, states that Military investigators were expected to arrive at Alaska with a team from Fort Novosel in Alabama.
Although the latest crash in Alaska and the crash in Kentucky are under investigation, the Army ruled out any connection between the two accidents. Officials state that "there was no indication of any pattern between the two."
Gen. McConville states they are deeply saddened by those they have lost. He adds, "It is their loss that makes it all the more important we review our safety procedures and training protocols, and ensure we are training and operating at the highest levels of safety and proficiency."
Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, the commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division also sends his prayers to the loved ones of fallen soldiers. He says, "The families of Fort Wainwright and 1-25 are as strong a team as I've ever seen."
"Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and loved ones of the fallen," he adds.
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