Identification of Army pilot killed in Kentucky helicopter training accident

An Army pilot tragically lost his life in a helicopter training accident at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, with another pilot sustaining injuries, according to the Army post. The fallen soldier has been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright, aged 40, announced by the 101st Airborne Division. The accident involved an AH-64 Apache helicopter during a routine training mission within the Fort Campbell training area. The incident occurred in preparation for the Army's 250th birthday festivities, but was not directly connected to the celebrations in Washington, D.C. The injured pilot has been treated and released from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital. The cause is under investigation. Wright, who joined the Army in 2010 and had been based at Fort Campbell since May 2022, was a highly-decorated individual. Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, paid tribute to Wright's service, noting his commitment to support ground troops with strength and honor. Condolences poured in from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and state Sen. Craig Richardson, highlighting the risks faced by military personnel even during training exercises. Fort Campbell is situated on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.