The US Army’s AH-64 Apache attack helicopters are experiencing a historically high rate of major crashes amid a widespread transmission problem that can affect critical flight systems, CNN reported citing analysis of military accident data.
The news outlet said its analysis found that the Apache’s major crash rate in fiscal year 2026 is approximately 6.24 Class A mishaps per 100,000 flight hours.
Five major Apache mishaps reported in FY2026
According to the media outlet, the US Army has recorded five Class A flight mishaps involving Apache helicopters so far in fiscal year 2026.
The helicopters had logged approximately 80,171 flight hours through August 15, CNN reported.
That figure includes about 42,971 flight hours through March 31, based on data published in an internal Army safety newsletter, along with an additional 37,200 flight hours estimated by an Army safety spokesperson and provided to CNN.
Based on those figures, CNN calculated the Apache’s major crash rate at roughly 6.24 per 100,000 flying hours.
Apache crash rate remains a major concern
The current rate follows a similarly high rate recorded in fiscal year 2024.
The news outlet reported that the Apache experienced 7.02 major crashes per 100,000 flight hours in FY2024.
The figures highlight continuing safety concerns surrounding one of the US Army’s principal attack helicopters.
Class A mishaps generally involve the most serious military aviation accidents, including incidents resulting in significant damage, fatalities or serious injuries.
Transmission problem affects critical systems
The Apache’s E-model, which entered service in 2011, has encountered significant transmission-related problems this year, according to two internal Army safety messages obtained by CNN.
The transmission issue can potentially cause the loss of several critical systems, including the helicopter’s:
Tail rotor
Electrical power
Hydraulic systems
The loss of these systems can cause an Apache to suddenly enter a spin and potentially result in the loss of flight controls, according to the safety messages cited by CNN.
Cause remains under investigation
The exact cause of the transmission problems has not yet been established.
CNN reported that an Army safety message issued in mid-July said the cause of the problems remained “under investigation.”
The transmission issue is particularly significant because failures affecting the tail rotor, hydraulics and electrical systems can severely compromise an Apache’s ability to remain stable and controllable.
Why Apache safety matters
The AH-64 Apache is a central component of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet and is designed to provide close air support, anti-armor capabilities and armed reconnaissance.
The aircraft’s complex systems are critical to its ability to operate safely, particularly during demanding combat and training missions.
