US Army Apache Helicopters Experience Surge in Crashes Due to Transmission Issues

The US Army's Apache helicopters have been involved in a notable rise in crash incidents, primarily linked to transmission issues, as highlighted by a CNN analysis of military accident data.

Since October, the helicopters have experienced five major crashes, including a recent incident in Texas that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and sparked a wildfire. Following this crash, the Army temporarily suspended routine training flights for Apache pilots, a pause that ended on Wednesday, excluding units deployed in the Middle East.

This year, the rate of major crashes, classified as Class A mishaps, has exceeded typical levels, approaching the highest rates recorded in the previous fiscal year. The E-model Apache, introduced in 2011, has faced significant transmission problems that could lead to loss of control. The Army has grounded a portion of its fleet while investigating these issues, with Boeing assisting in inspections and repairs.