Family remembers Fort Hood soldier killed in Apache helicopter crash

FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - The family of one of two Fort Hood soldiers killed in an Apache helicopter crash near Salado is sharing more about the man behind the uniform. [KWTX-TV News 10]

The U.S. Army resumed training flights for Apache helicopters Wednesday, less than a week after suspending such operations following a fatal crash that killed two Fort Hood pilots near Salado.

The service announced the restart of Apache helicopter training missions after conducting a comprehensive assessment of safety protocols and operational procedures. Army officials said the decision came after a five-day stand-down that began Aug. 14, following the crash that claimed the lives of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton. Investigators from Fort Rucker in Alabama were leading the examination of the crash site. While the military has not disclosed a cause, officials noted that national security considerations may prevent full public disclosure of findings.

The helicopter went down Aug. 7 while conducting a maintenance evaluation flight, striking a field and igniting a wildfire that forced area evacuations. Huey had served in the Army since 2014, while Olmstead enlisted in 2023. Despite grounding training operations, the Army continued to deploy Apache helicopters for combat missions overseas during the suspension period.

Huey's sister, Chassidy, shared reflections on her brother's character with local media. "He was so much more than his rank and his uniform," she said, describing him as exceptionally humorous and artistically talented. She emphasized that her family wanted him remembered for how he lived rather than how he died, highlighting his ability to create lasting memories and leave a positive impression on those around him.

The quick resumption of training activities suggests the Army may have already identified probable factors in the mishap, according to Ron McCallum, a former military and commercial pilot. McCallum noted that investigators likely have "some level of knowledge mechanically" regarding any equipment failures. He also emphasized that Apache helicopters are particularly demanding aircraft to operate, with numerous mechanical systems that can fail rapidly when problems occur.