2 Tennessee National Guardsmen Killed in Black Hawk Helicopter Crash

The scene of a Black Hawk helicopter crash in the unincorporated community of Harvest, Ala., on Feb. 15, 2023. Susan Shepard via AP

At least two members of the Tennessee National Guard died in a fatal military helicopter crash on Wednesday afternoon near a highway in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department in Alabama responded to the fiery crash site and reported two crew members onboard were killed.

The Tennessee National Guard confirmed that one of its UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed around 3 p.m. on Wednesday near Highway 53 and Burwell Road in Huntsville, Alabama.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Tennessee National Guardsmen, and our prayers are with their families during this heartbreaking tragedy,” Brig. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s adjutant general, said in a statement. “We ask Tennesseans to join us in supporting their families during this time of unthinkable grief.”

The Tennessee National Guard said no other service members or civilians were harmed in the incident, and that it will support law enforcement and other first responders handling the crash site.

The crash was captured on home surveillance video and shared on social media. It shows the Black Hawk falling out of the air and a black plume of smoke billowing up after the moment of impact. The burning wreckage can be seen in another video captured by a passing motorist.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office said deputies are on the scene of the helicopter crash and warned residents that evening traffic would experience heavy delays. They urged motorists to take alternate routes due to the highway closure.

“We expect heavy delays in this area throughout the evening,” the sheriff’s office said.

Before the Tennessee National Guard confirmed the crash involved one of its Black Hawks, Redstone Arsenal, a U.S. Army post, said the incident isn’t connected to one of its assets.

“Redstone Arsenal leaders are aware of reports of a helicopter incident near Highway 53 in Huntsville. First responders are on scene, and Redstone Arsenal is in full support of local authorities in their active investigation,” the Army post said on Facebook. “Initial investigations have determined that the incident is not connected to Redstone Arsenal assets, and we will continue to support community authorities as the situation develops.”

Alabama Rep. Dale Strong, a Republican, offered his condolences on Twitter to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.

“I’m deeply saddened by the fatal helicopter crash that happened in Madison County today,” Strong wrote. “My heart hurts for those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and for their families as they learn of this news.”

There is a limited amount of information available about the crash.

The UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile and highly capable military utility helicopter. It is designed to perform a variety of missions,  such as air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support in combat, stability, and support operations.