The Army National Guard has grounded all helicopter units following a fatal crash that left two Guardsmen dead.
Spokespeople for the Army National Guard said the units will be grounded until all units review the safety procedures and protocols surrounding helicopter flight.
WLTR recently reported on the fatal crash of an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter that crashed near Booneville, Mississippi.
The helicopter went down at approximately 2 PM during what was supposed to be a routine training mission.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the Guardsmen. Stars and Stripes confirmed: “All Army National Guard helicopters have been grounded as units review safety policies and procedures following two crashes.”
MEMO: All Army National Guard helicopters have been grounded as units review safety policies and procedures following two crashes.https://t.co/70MtDHezr8
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) February 27, 2024
“We are a combat force with helicopters training or on mission worldwide every day,” said Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, director of the Army National Guard. “Safety is always at the top of our minds.https://t.co/70MtDHezr8
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) February 28, 2024
The Epoch Times featured this statement from General Ryder:
“The separate crashes of AH-64D Apache helicopters in Utah on February 12 and Mississippi on February 23, respectively, drove the decision to ground all helicopters for safety reasons.
My understanding is that when units have completed their safety stand-down, they’ll be permitted to fly again.”
Army National Guard Director Lt. General Jon Jensen paid homage to the fallen soldiers: “The entire Army Guard team mourns the tragic loss of the two National Guard Soldiers who died in a helicopter crash Friday.
Our condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of CW4 Bryan Zemek and CW4 Derek Abbott. We will forever be grateful for their service.”
The entire Army Guard team mourns the tragic loss of the two @nationalguardMS Soldiers who died in a helicopter crash Friday.
Our condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of CW4 Bryan Zemek and CW4 Derek Abbott. We will forever be grateful for their service. pic.twitter.com/QJuJ9TgClr
— Lt Gen Jon Jensen (@ARNGDirector) February 25, 2024
Two Army pilots on a training exercise escaped with minor injuries when the UH-72 Lakota helicopter they were in crashed Friday in Alabama, military authorities said.
Read more at: https://t.co/18Zbc6dwrP
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) February 24, 2024
According to The Hill:
The stand-down, which went into effect Monday and was announced Tuesday, is expected to lift after all units finish their review, though the release did not specify how long that may take.
The causes of both recent crashes have not been publicly released, but the incidents are being investigated by the Army’s Combat Readiness Center.
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