Key takeaways:
- The U.S. Army has announced a suspension of non-critical aviation flight units for training following two fatal helicopter crashes in the past month.
- All aviators, except those in critical missions, are grounded until they complete the training.
- The Army has not released any further details about the training that aviators must complete before they are allowed to resume flying.
The U.S. Army has announced a suspension of non-critical aviation flight units for training following two fatal helicopter crashes in the past month. Chief of Staff James McConville ordered the “aviation stand down” after the two accidents which claimed the lives of 12 soldiers, including a mid-air collision involving two Black Hawk helicopters near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on March 29 which left nine soldiers dead.
Lt. Col. Terence Kelley, an Army spokesperson, said the suspension of air operations was effective immediately, with units grounded until they complete the training. The helicopters involved in the crash in Alaska were from the 1st Attack Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment at Fort Wainwright, near Fairbanks, and were returning from training at the time of the crash.
The Army said in a news release that the safety of their aviators is their top priority, and the stand down is an important step to make certain they are doing everything possible to prevent further accidents. All aviators, except those in critical missions, are grounded until they complete the training.
The two fatal accidents occurred on March 29 near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and on Thursday near Healy, Alaska. The crash in Kentucky left nine soldiers dead, while the crash in Alaska left three soldiers dead and a fourth wounded.
The Army has not released any further details about the training that aviators must complete before they are allowed to resume flying. It is unclear when the stand down will be lifted, but the Army said they are committed to ensuring the safety of their aviators.
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