RAINIER, Wash. – Four Army aviators were killed after two Army helicopters crashed in an aviation training area at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State, the base confirmed in a press release.
Two other people were injured. The names of the dead and injured have not been released pending notification of their families, per Defense Department policy.
It was not immediately clear whether the aircraft collided or crashed separately.
"We don't have details on what actually occurred," base spokesman J.C. Mathews said. "That will be part of the investigation."
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters were on a training mission, Mathews said.
The Kiowa Warrior is a single-engine, four-bladed aircraft used for armed reconnaissance, Mathews said. It's often called a scout helicopter.
The crash site is geographically closest to the civilian community of Rainier, which is south of Tacoma.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the Soldiers involved in this tragic accident," said Major General Lloyd Miles, acting senior Army commander at JBLM and deputy commanding general of I Corps. "We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and we will do everything in our power to support the families of the brave Soldiers who died this evening."
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is one of the largest bases in the country, with about 100,000 military and civilian personnel.
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