The Colonel Had Less Than an Hour of Apache Sim Experience

An investigation was recently completed on the February 12 crash of an AH-64D Apache helicopter. The report stated that the chopper was being flown by an F-35 pilot with no significant rotary wing experience when it went down.

The helicopter involved is a part of the Utah National Guard and is operated by the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment. It was on an “orientation flight” with an Air Force Reserve Colonel and an accompanying Chief Warrant Officer. The colonel is an F-35 pilot who had only 35 minutes of simulated experience in an Apache before taking control of the real chopper for 90 minutes.

The investigation report revealed that the colonel was struggling to maintain positive control, causing the warrant officer to intervene on three occasions. He was attempting to hover and land the Apache at South Valley Regional Airport when he panicked and applied downward pressure, relying on his fixed-wing knowledge. The rotorcraft then rotated and dropped about 10 feet while the Chief Warrant Officer attempted to regain control.

Both occupants were injured, with the colonel requiring surgery and rehabilitation. No fatalities were reported.

Flight operations of a stealth fighter jet and a combat helicopter are vastly different. With the Colonel having practically no rotary wing experience, it would have been a miracle if he had been able to successfully stabilize and manage the Apache on his own. The Utah NG would have been well aware of this, and investigators have criticized their chain of command for inadequate operating procedures.

Moving forward, the report recommended that the Pentagon’s National Guard Bureau reassess their orientation flight procedures in all Apache units. This hopes to prevent more unqualified individuals from being put in this same situation.

The Utah National Guard has yet to address the investigation’s findings.

FMI: www.ut.ng.mil