The US Army's AH-64 Apache attack helicopters are crashing at their highest rate in years, with transmission failures identified as a key cause. A deadly crash in Texas prompted a temporary pause in training flights.
US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters are experiencing a historically high rate of major accidents, with transmission system failures emerging as a critical safety concern. Since October, five Class A mishaps — the military's most severe accident category — have been recorded, including a deadly crash near Fort Hood, Texas, earlier this month that killed two soldiers and sparked a wildfire. That incident led the Army to temporarily suspend routine training flights for the fleet.
Analysis of military data shows the current crash rate is approximately 6.24 per 100,000 flight hours, approaching the record set in fiscal year 2024. Internal safety messages have flagged widespread transmission defects that can cause sudden loss of tail rotor control, electrical power, and hydraulic systems — potentially leading to catastrophic in-flight failure. Seventy potentially faulty units were first identified in April, with 10 more added to the no-fly list in July. Roughly one-tenth of the active Apache fleet has been affected.
Boeing, the helicopter's manufacturer, has deployed maintenance teams to assist with inspections and repairs. The Army has restricted the release of detailed technical information, citing operational security. The training flight pause was lifted for most units this week, though investigations into the root cause remain ongoing.
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