FORT HOOD, Texas – A Fort Hood AH-64E Apache attack helicopter experienced a mishap at approximately 1:40 p.m. Aug. 12 near Salado during a maintenance test flight, resulting in the loss of two Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
The pilots have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead.
Huey, 34, whose home of record is listed as Killeen, Texas, entered the U.S. Army in February 2014 as a motor transport operator, and was assigned to the unit since February 2022.
Olmstead, 25, whose home of record is listed as Belton, Texas, entered the U.S. Army in January 2023, as a warrant officer candidate, and was assigned to the unit since October 2025.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. “The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.”
Fort Hood leadership has made chaplains and other support personnel and resources available to those impacted.
“In the difficult days ahead, our priority is to ensure these families and our Soldiers have the care and support they need,” Admiral said. “We are making all appropriate resources available to those affected by this loss.”
Fort Hood personnel remain on scene working in coordination with local law enforcement and U.S. Army investigative agencies.
A safety investigation team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived Aug. 13 and will lead the safety investigation of the mishap.
For any investigation process inquiries, please contact the USACRC Director of Communication and Public Affairs Jimmie E. Cummings Jr. at jimmie.e.cummings.civ@army.mil.
Fort Hood will continue to release information at the Fort Hood Media Center at forthoodmediacenter.com to the fullest extent possible pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.
