Two U.S. Army soldiers were killed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed into a field in Bell County, Texas, near the village of Salado, sparking a large grass fire that prompted evacuations.
The crash occurred around 1:30–1:35 p.m. local time (Central Daylight Time). Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Cliff Coleman said 911 calls began coming in shortly after about a helicopter down and a rapidly spreading fire along the 16500 block of Kuykendall Branch Road (also referenced near Dove Hollow Lane), about a half-mile west of Interstate 35 and south of Salado. The site is roughly 60 miles (about 100 km) north of Austin and less than 20 miles from Fort Hood.
Both crew members aboard the two-seat aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene by the Bell County justice of the peace around 2:30 p.m. Coleman described the impact as violent. The helicopter did not strike any homes, buildings, or other people on the ground. No additional injuries were reported.
Official Confirmation and Response
Fort Hood confirmed that an AH-64 (reported in some accounts as AH-64E) Apache attack helicopter assigned to the installation and associated with the 1st Cavalry Division crashed during operations. A military official speaking on condition of anonymity told the Associated Press the aircraft had been on a routine training flight.
Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, issued a statement: “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts. Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.” He later expressed deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and fellow troopers.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X: “Today, an Apache helicopter crashed in Bell County during Fort Hood operations, killing two members of our military. Join Cecilia and me in prayer for their families and the entire Fort Hood community. Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation.”
The identities of the two soldiers have been withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Army indicated names would be released 24 hours after families were notified (expected Thursday). The remains were to be transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood.
Fire and Emergency Response
The crash ignited a significant grass fire that burned approximately 77 to 100 acres. Coleman said the fire was “getting out of control very quickly” when deputies arrived. Nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution. Multiple local fire departments, along with military personnel and law enforcement, responded. Farm to Market Road 2843 near the site was closed. Texas A&M Forest Service personnel assisted; reports indicated the fire (referred to in some accounts as the Dove Hollow Fire) was brought under control or reached high containment levels later in the day, with no structures damaged.
Aircraft and Operational Context
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-bladed attack helicopter designed for armed reconnaissance, close combat support, and other missions. It seats two crew members—a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot/gunner in the front. It can carry Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, and has been a mainstay of U.S. Army aviation for decades. The aircraft involved was based at Fort Hood, a major installation used for training and deploying heavy forces.
Fort Hood’s criminal investigation division is leading the probe into the cause, according to local officials. No determination on the cause has been publicly released. The Army has not provided further details on the specific unit, flight path, weather conditions at the time, or maintenance status. Investigation efforts typically examine flight data, maintenance records, weather, and the crash site itself.
Status and Broader Notes
As of early reports on August 12–13, the incident remained under active investigation with the site secured. Military and local responders continued coordinating on scene. Training flights by Apache helicopters are routine at major Army posts such as Fort Hood, but fatal crashes underscore the inherent risks of military aviation, even in peacetime training environments.
The U.S. Army has not released additional operational or safety context beyond the initial statements. Further updates on the identities of the soldiers and findings from the investigation are expected in the coming days.
