Move Follows Three Helicopter Accidents Involving Fatalities

Aviators on active duty at 11 Army bases nationwide have just completed a safety stand-down following three accidents involving fatalities in the past two weeks.

The Army Times reports that U.S.-based FORSCOM aviation units were ordered to stand down, the first time FORSCOM-wide stand down of aviation assets has been ordered, according to Forces Command spokesman Paul Boyce. The order affected all FORSCOM units, including most of the Army's combat aviation brigades. Unites in Europe were not affected, Boyce said.

In a statement, Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams, commanding general of FORSCOM, said the decision was made with the "utmost seriousness. I have a duty to ensure that we are doing all that we can to prevent the loss of life and aviation accidents, and that is why we’re standing down to review our procedures and reaffirm our commitment to operating our aircraft safely and effectively.”

The stand down included a review of the flight mission briefing process, aircraft coordination in training, a review of adherence to flight-operations standards and discipline, and other factors.

The stand down went into effect last Thursday, and concluded Monday.

According to the Army, since November 23, eight aviators have been fatally injured in three accidents. One of those accident occurred in Korea, while the other two were at Fort Hood, TX and Fort Campbell, KY.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.army.mil