Army helicopter on training flight crashes; two pilots dead

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (AP) _ An Army helicopter on a training mission crashed while returning to Fort Rucker, killing two pilots, authorities said Friday. <br><br>The U.S. Army Aviation Center said the AH-64D

Friday, December 13th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (AP) _ An Army helicopter on a training mission crashed while returning to Fort Rucker, killing two pilots, authorities said Friday.

The U.S. Army Aviation Center said the AH-64D Longbow Apache crashed Thursday night about 12 miles north-northwest of Fort Rucker's main post. The names of the pilots were withheld until relatives could be notified.

The cause of the accident was under investigation by Army safety officials.

``We are deeply saddened by the loss of these two pilots,'' said Lt. Col. James Bullinger, command spokesman.

The pilots were conducting routine flight training when the helicopter was reported missing about 10 p.m. A ground and air search began after attempts to contact the aircraft by radio failed. The helicopter was found about 6:20 a.m. Friday in a wooded area.

Fort Rucker is about 100 miles southeast of Montgomery.