Crash US Army Apache

On 25 February 2021, a US Army AH-64D Apache or most probably even a AH-64E Apache Guardian, coded 96A, crashed near Ozark (AL) injuring the two pilots. The Apache was operated by the 1st Battalion - 14th Aviation Regiment Tomahawks (1-14th AVN) at Hanchey AHP / Fort Rucker (AL).

According to the US Army, the accident occurred at at Hooper Stage Field. The crash site is along Andrews Avenue, just north of the Ozark gate that leads into the Army post.

The 1-14th AVN's primary mission is of training ten programmes of instruction for the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence. The unit is directly responsible for training, certifying and producing all AH-64D/E Undergraduate Flight School XXI Aviators and all graduate Aviators, particularly Instructor Pilots and Maintenance Test pilots for both advanced airframes.

According to the Scramble database, this units operates 46 AH-64D Apaches and 21 AH-64E Apache Guardians. However, some of the earlier models have not been seen for some years. The 1-14th AVN consists of three training companies; A/1-14th AVN, B/1-14th AVN and C/1-14th AVN. The unit should have turned in all their Deltas and only operate the AH-64E, but this is not confirmed yet. Their own website still mentions both models in use.

Code 96A, which is clearly visible, relates to the following possible tie-ups; AH-64D 05-05496 which was active with 1-14th AVN in May 2011, but the type of paint which can be seen on the photos was used on the later AH-64D models and AH-64E models, AH-64E 16-03096 (last noted December 2019 with 2-17th CAV) or 17-03196 (last noted October 2018 with Boeing at Mesa, AZ).

If you have any updates on the possible identity of the Apache and the unit's inventory, please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photos: stills via WTVY