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Deadly Fort Novosel helicopter crash kills instructor, injures student

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FORT NOVOSEL, Ala (WDHN) -- A contracted flight instructor is dead after a helicopter crash on Fort Novosel, the Dale County Coroner confirmed to WDHN.

Coroner John Cawley identified the flight instructor as 46-year-old Daniel Munger of Enterprise. Munger was a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and retired from the Army.

According to Fort Novosel officials, the helicopter, an AH-64 Apache, went down during "routine flight training" at around 1:40 p.m. near Lake Tholocco.

Officials say Munger, a contractor with the post, died on the scene, and a U.S. Army student pilot sustained minor injuries and was airlifted via Army MEDEVAC helicopter.

A release from Fort Novosel said the flight training at the post is continuing, and the "mishap" is under investigation.

“Our primary concern is the welfare and health of the student pilot and care and concern for the family of the deceased,” said Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, and Fort Novosel commanding general.

Shortly after the crash, politicians took to social media to express condolences.

"Heather and I are heartbroken to hear about the helicopter crash at Fort Novosel today. We are praying for a swift recovery for the student pilot who was injured and comfort for the loved ones of the instructor who passed away," said Rep. Barry Moore.

Senator Katie Britt posted on Twitter: "This is a heartbreaking loss for the Wiregrass and our entire state. Wesley and I are praying for those affected, especially for the instructor’s family and for the student pilot’s recovery. Our hearts go out to the entire community at Fort Novosel.

Moore and Britt are both Enterprise natives.

"Deeply saddened to hear of the fatal helicopter crash at Fort Novosel earlier today. Please join me in praying for the mourning family and friends of the instructor who passed away. We are also praying for a full recovery for the injured student," wrote Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

Stay with WDHN for updates.

The AH-64 Apache is a Boeing-made aircraft manufactured for the U.S. Armed Forces.

This is not the first time an AH-64 Apache helicopter from Ft. Novosel has crashed. Past WDHN reports show an Apache crashed on Dale County Road 108 near Ozark in 2022, injuring an instructor and student pilot.

According to the ArmyTimes, in March of this year, two AH64s crashed, sending crewmen to the hospital, one at Fort Carson in Colorado and one in Washington State.

In February, the Army National Guard grounded all helicopters for a short period after back-to-back AH-64 Apache crashes, killing two pilots in Mississippi. The stand down in February was to review safety policies and procedures.

Fort Novosel sent investigators to Alaska in April of last year after two AH-64s collided mid-air, killing three soldiers and injuring a fourth. This crash also caused the U.S. Army to ground all aviation units for a time.

Fort Novosel is the home of Army Aviation and the training ground where Army Pilots learn how to fly, meaning the fort is home to hundreds of Apaches.

The Apache can climb at about 2,900 feet a minute and reach a maximum speed of 173 miles an hour. It can also cruise along at 160 miles an hour.

The Apache seats two people: a pilot and a co-pilot or gunner. The Army inducted it back in 1984.


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