‘Salute from the Shore’ Apache Helicopter Pilots Under Investigation
An investigation is underway involving eight Apache helicopter pilots who flew during this year's Salute from the Shore event on July 4th.
Courtesy Google Images
An investigation is underway involving eight Apache helicopter pilots who flew during this year’s Salute from the Shore event on July 4th. The military aircraft flew along the coast from Cherry Grove all the way to Beaufort, and for the first time, featured Apache helicopters.
The pilots are part of the South Carolina Army National Guard, Alpha Company. New reports claim that soon after landing, all eight received a message saying they were suspended.
No specific reason for why they are being investigated has been announced.
Maj. Lisa Allen with the National Guard confirmed the pilots are suspended from flying operations while an internal investigation looks into their performance during Saturday’s flyover. Allen says the investigation is examining any possible safety violations that may have occurred.
Thursday morning, Maj. Allen released the following statement: “I can confirm that the SCARNG is currently reviewing the flight profile of the Apache helicopters that participated in the event. As is routine, the pilots involved in the flight have been temporarily suspended from flight duties pending the outcome of this review. Please note that this suspension applies only to flight operations; the pilots continue to report for their regular daily duties in a non-flying capacity.
“In accordance with standard military policy, and to protect the integrity of the ongoing review, we cannot provide further details or speculate on specific allegations—including questions regarding flight altitude or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
“The safety of our personnel and the communities we fly over remains our top priority, and we take all reports regarding flight safety seriously.”
