Four Dead In Helicopter Training Crash At Joint Base Lewis-McChord

(Editor's note: This is from Joint Base Lewis-McChord Public Affairs)

Four Army aviators were killed in an accident involving two Army helicopters at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Monday) evening.

The crash occurred sometime after 8 p.m.

The accident involved two OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters. It took place inside the southwest training area at JBLM, in Thurston County.

Names of the dead have not been released pending notification of next of kin plus 24 hours, in accordance with Defense Department policy.

An investigation into the cause of the accident has already begun by local authorities at JBLM. The Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Ala., will lead the overall investigation into the accident.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the soldiers involved in this tragic accident,” said Major General Lloyd Miles, acting senior Army commander at JBLM and deputy commanding general of I Corps. “We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and we will do everything in our power to support the families of the brave soldiers who died this evening.”

More information will be provided as it becomes available and as the investigation progresses.