Now Reading: US Army Apache crash kills two, renews safety concerns
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US Army Apache crash kills two, renews safety concerns
A US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed in Texas on Thursday, killing both crew members and sparking a fire that spread over 100 acres. The Times of India reports that the Apache…
The Story in Brief
A US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed in Texas on Thursday, killing both crew members and sparking a fire that spread over 100 acres. The Times of India reports that the Apache has been involved in 193 crashes since 1980, with nearly 120 fatalities, mostly American. The US Army’s own figures show the Apache has a far higher accident rate than other helicopters: 4.41 Class-A mishaps per 1,00,000 flight hours from 2020 to 2024, compared to 1.23 for the Black Hawk. India operates the Apache with both the Air Force and the Army. The IAF has reported two incidents, including a precautionary landing in Ladakh in 2024 that caused damage to the aircraft.
The Indian Opinion
The Apache has a fearsome combat reputation, but its crash record is too often glossed over by military enthusiasts. The United States Army’s own data shows it is far more accident-prone than the Black Hawk. Flying low and fast is inherently dangerous, but that does not excuse a 4.41 mishap rate. India operates the same chopper in the Himalayas. The key test now: will the US investigation reveal systemic flaws or pilot error, and will Delhi ask for the findings?
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
