Experts are delving into the reasons behind the increasing incidents of crashes involving the Apache AH-64 attack helicopters in the United States. According to Military Watch Magazine, four helicopters crashed in February and March, resulting in the deaths of two pilots and varying degrees of injuries to four others.
The first Apache incidents occurred on February 12 and 23. Then, on March 24, another helicopter of the same model crashed during a routine training session at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. On March 26, another Apache helicopter crashed during a training flight at Fort Carson in Colorado.
The magazine stated, “The cause of the recent incidents involving Apache aircraft remains unclear, although the military reported a significant increase in power generator malfunctions in 2023 that could cause potentially dangerous smoke in cockpits.”
Other potential reasons for the helicopter accidents include a possible technological flaw in production. However, there have been no official statements regarding the Apache crashes so far.
Military experts suggest that the Apache helicopter, which entered service 40 years ago, has become obsolete and significantly lags behind the Russian MI-28 and KA-52 helicopters.
The magazine concluded that “the Russian helicopters are a full generation ahead of the Apache,” reminding that the armies of Algeria and Iran have chosen the Russian MI-28 “Night Hunter” helicopter.
The recent series of Apache AH-64 helicopter crashes in the United States has led to significant measures being taken by the Army National Guard. Following two crashes in February—one in Utah on February 12 and another in Mississippi on February 23, which resulted in the deaths of two pilots—the Army National Guard’s top officer ordered a pause on flight missions to review safety policies and procedures across all Guard units in the 54 states and territories.
Furthermore, these incidents mark a concerning trend of accidents involving military helicopters. In fact, a third crash occurring within a two-month span emphasizes the ongoing challenges and risks associated with Apache helicopter operations.
