A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache crashed in Salado, Texas, leaving no survivors and sparking a 100 acres grass fire.
A U.S. Army AH-64E attack helicopter crashed at about 1:30 pm Central Standard Time on Aug. 12, 2026, in Salado, Texas. Both crew members died in the impact, which also sparked a large grass fire spanning over 100 acres.
The Apache was assigned to the nearby Fort Hood, which hosts the helicopters of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division and is located 30 miles away. In a statement, the installation confirmed the deceased service members have been transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center while working on notification of next of kin.
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.…
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 12, 2026
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, 1st Cavalry Division acting commanding general.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no buildings or structures were damaged by the crash, with the grass fire being the only reported consequence. According to CBS News, the fire was still burning out of control two hours after the crash, requiring the intervention of firefighting aircraft.
An U.S. Army AH-64 “Apache” attack helicopter from Fort Hood crashed near Salado, Texas, at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time today, killing both soldiers aboard.
Fort Hood confirmed the aircraft was assigned to the installation, while the acting commander of the 1st Cavalry… pic.twitter.com/apHj3uK2QA
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 13, 2026
The causes of the crash are still unknown, with an investigation already ongoing.
This is a developing story, further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
