US Military Apache Helicopter crashes in Galveston Bay
A National Guard Apache helicopter based at Ellington Field crashed off El Jardin Beach in Galveston Bay near LaPorte, Texas this afternoon. The U.S. Coast Guard is on scene looking for the two man crew.
UPDATE: Officials say there were no survivors in the crash, and names are being withheld until next of kin is notified. The cause is still under investigation.
The Dallas News reported that the debris field was spread out over a section of the bay, along with a thick oil slick.
Witnesses stated that helicopter flights through that area are routine. But this time, they heard an explosion and watched the helicopter break apart in mid-air.
The helicopter carried a two man crew. Witnesses found what appears to be part of the main rotor mechanism, and part of the rotor blade on shore.
Fisherman who witnessed #Apache helicopter crash from his boat describes what he saw: #abc13 #hounews pic.twitter.com/75yIHRrFhd
— Miya Shay (@miyashay) December 29, 2016
Eyewitness photo of what appears to part of the main rotor system of the crashed Apache helicopter. #khou11 https://t.co/ElnWxRnhXK pic.twitter.com/Aj4nyUbfQd
— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) December 28, 2016
Breaking. Unconfirmed. What may be a blade from the crashed Apache helicopter up against a fence. #khou11 https://t.co/ElnWxRnhXK pic.twitter.com/UZAk6PFibW
— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) December 28, 2016
PHOTOS: What appears to be a chopper blade can be seen near the scene of downed chopper (more more —> https://t.co/WoUMY1YG6z) pic.twitter.com/8tn1O7ftFM
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) December 28, 2016
Big picture of Apache helicopter crash scene in Galveston Bay. Close up picture of diver at the crash site.#khou11 https://t.co/ElnWxRnhXK pic.twitter.com/LyGxFp38tC
— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) December 28, 2016
Coast Guard diver has entered water at site of reported military helicopter crash: https://t.co/jQD5PDbBXC pic.twitter.com/HD24Hziz3F
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) December 28, 2016
Rescue efforts ongoing in #Apache helicopter crash near Bayport terminal in #Galveston Bay. #abc13 pic.twitter.com/Akjo1EAfiG
— Miya Shay (@miyashay) December 28, 2016
Ellington Field is home to the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Reconnaissance Wing. It is a joint installation shared by various active component and reserve component military units, as well as aircraft flight operations of NASA.
The Apache helicopters are attack helicopters, and carry a formidable array of guns and missiles. The Apache was named in 1981, and its first use in combat was 1989.
