Two people died after a U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field near Fort Hood in Texas on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Emergency services responded to the incident site following a 1:34 p.m. Central Standard Time call, with both individuals pronounced dead by 2:30 p.m.
The Bottom Line
- The Incident: An Apache attack helicopter from Fort Hood went down in a field in Salado, Texas, during the afternoon of August 12, 2026.
- Casualties: Two people lost their lives, with emergency responders pronouncing them dead at 2:30 p.m.
- Investigation: Inquiries regarding the military statuses of the deceased were directed to the Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Division.
Emergency Response and Immediate Aftermath in Bell County
The incident unfolded rapidly on Wednesday afternoon when local authorities received emergency calls reporting the crash around 1:34 p.m. Central Standard Time, according to Cliff Coleman, a spokesperson for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office. First responders rushed to the scene in a field located in Salado, outside of the base. The two individuals aboard the aircraft were pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m., Coleman confirmed during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.
The U.S. Army and Fort Hood officials mobilized to secure the site and coordinate local emergency assets. Brig.
Institutional Protocol and Investigation Underway
With the crash site secured, attention has shifted toward the investigation. Fort Hood directed inquiries regarding the specific military statuses of the deceased crew members to the installation’s Criminal Investigation Division.
| Metric / Detail | Recorded Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 12, 2026 |
| Location | Salado, Texas (near Fort Hood) |
| Aircraft Type | Apache Attack Helicopter |
| Initial Emergency Call | 1:34 p.m. Central Standard Time |
| Time of Pronouncement | 2:30 p.m. Central Standard Time |
| Investigating Authority | Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Division |
