Federal investigation opened after Utah National Guard Apache helicopter crashes

WEST JORDAN, Utah (KUTV) — A federal investigation is underway following the crash of a Utah National Guard Apache helicopter during military training. Both pilots survived, but their conditions are currently unknown.

The incident occurred at the Army Aviation Support Facility near the regional airport in West Jordan. Onlookers and aviation enthusiasts expressed relief at the pilots' survival.

"It's just a surreal experience," said community member Keith Webb, who witnessed the aftermath while en-route to work. "I'm just glad they made it out."

The Apache Longbow helicopter went down near West Jordan’s South Regional Airport just after 1 p.m. Lt. Colonel Chris Kroeber of the Utah National Guard confirmed that both pilots were engaged in routine training exercises at the time.

"They were able to pull themselves out," Lt. Colonel Kroeber stated, emphasizing the pilots' resilience.

This incident marks the third crash involving the Utah National Guard's Apache unit since 2007, with one previous crash proving fatal.

Aaron Rumfallo, a military aviation enthusiast and host of a weekly podcast on military aircraft movements, also expressed relief at the pilots' survival.

"Not only is that great for the crew and their families and their units they belong to, but also they'll be able to give an account of the accident and be able to correct whatever went wrong," Rumfallo said.

With a federal investigation underway, both Rumfallo and Webb voiced their intent to closely monitor the findings.

"What caused it? Why did it go down? And what are they going to do to prevent it?" Webb said.

Lt. Colonel Kroeber assured that incidents like Monday's are rare, noting that the Utah National Guard's Apache unit handles approximately 1,000 flights annually. Investigations into the crash can take up to 90 days.