Fort Novosel helicopter crash claims life of instructor, injures U.S. Army student pilot

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August 8, 2024

A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter prepares to depart Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, on Jan 7, 2012. (Photo: Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht)

A helicopter crash during routine flight training at Fort Novosel claimed the life of an instructor and injured a U.S. Army student pilot on Wednesday afternoon.

Dale County Coroner John Cawley identified the instructor as Daniel Munger, 46, a contractor and retired service member. The student, whose name has not been released, was airlifted to a hospital with minor injuries.

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

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) represents Fort Novosel in Congress, and has a close connection to many active duty families on base. He sent his heartfelt condolences on Wednesday.

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.

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) August 7, 2024

Alabama’s two U.S. Senators also lifted up prayers for the servicemembers and their families. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) asked the public to join him in prayer for those affected by the crash.

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. https://t.co/s4qQww7S1d

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) August 7, 2024

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) called the incident “heartbreaking.”

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.https://t.co/7dpKNWrghI

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) August 7, 2024

The helicopter involved in the crash was a Boeing-made AH-64 Apache. The aircraft is crewed by two men. The crash remains under investigation.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

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