Published Monday, January 12, 2009 3:35 PM
Updated Tuesday, February 17, 2009 9:46 PM
No students were on the aircraft, but the jarring accident gripped many in the Aggie family, especially as news spread that the person who died was a 2008 A&M graduate — Zachary Cook.
Col. William Meehan, a spokesman for the Texas Army National Guard, said the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade based out of Austin had been shuttling members of Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets between College Station and Camp Swift, a former prisoner of war camp in Bastrop County. The exercise was one they’ve done with the ROTC program for more than 20 years without incident, he said.
Meehan said the guard unit — which recently returned from serving in Iraq and is “highly decorated” — was on one of five helicopters being used to transfer 190 students in what’s called the Winter Field Training Exercise on Duncan Field just off George Bush Drive.
Scot Walker, whose campus office overlooks the field several hundred feet away, had been watching the helicopters come and go throughout the day — exactly one week before classes were set to resume for the spring semester.
“At first, it looked like he was hot-dogging and then very quickly it was obvious he was in trouble and not messing around,” Walker said of the crash that took place just before 3 p.m. “As fast as your brain could process that it crashed, it was like, holy cow, did I just see that?”
Debris from the five-ton Black Hawk littered the field and nearby street for at least 100 yards out. While someone barked the order to stay back, some cadets, along with military personnel and passersby, rushed to the aid of those onboard. A few bystanders reached for their camera phones to capture images of the twisted pile of steel.
Two flying in the guard helicopter remained in critical condition late Monday at the College Station Medical Center. Another was taken to a hospital in San Antonio and his condition wasn’t known, while the fourth man injured was listed in serious but stable condition in College Station.
A cadet on the ground — one of dozens to witness the crash — was hit by flying debris and was treated and released from the hospital. Details about the person were not available late Monday.
Friends said Cook, who received his commission last year, died at St. Joseph Regional Health Center. His relationship to the mission wasn’t immediately clear, but officials said he did not serve with the guard unit in Iraq.
A&M's Web site initially said a member of the ROTC staff at the school was one of the injured, but officials would not confirm if that was Cook.
Meehan said that the military could not release information about the victims until 24 hours after family members were notified.
He said the deadly crash was a first for the Texas Army National Guard.
Dropped straight down
Witnesses said they saw five helicopters — all Army UH-60 Black Hawks — taking off and landing on the field throughout Monday. They were participating in what’s called Rudder’s Rangers Annual Winter Field Training.
Walker, publications manager for the A&M Association of Former Students, said he saw the two helicopters lift off from the field before 3 p.m.
The first took off with no problem and he lost sight of it as it headed toward the central part of the campus. The second followed shortly after but appeared to lose control and quickly began spinning.
“All of the sudden he dropped straight back down into the ground,” he said, estimating that it was no more than 100 to 150 feet in the air when it encountered problems.
Walker said the vehicle dropped upright, but that pieces of propellors and debris jetted out in all directions.
“There was a bunch of people on Duncan Field and everyone went running and diving for cover,” Walker said. “I grabbed the phone and called 911.”
The helicopter never caught fire, but did terrify the dozens who witnessed it fall from the sky.
Within minutes, emergency crews were on scene from throughout Brazos County and the last victim was removed from the wreckage less than 30 minutes later. While the eight agencies involved in the rescue efforts regularly drill for events such as this, Bart Humphries, spokesperson for College Station Fire Department, said it marked the first fatal helicopter crash they’ve responded to.
“The crews are well-schooled in how to handle these things and I think they proved that,” he said, referring all questions about the incident to the military investigators. They were not available late Monday.
Rudder’s Rangers
While those investigators from the U.S. Army made their way to College Station to begin an inquiry that will include the National Transportation Safety Board, cadets who participated in the exercise gathered at area hospitals to await word about their mentors.
The students are members of Rudder’s Rangers and were participating in a three-day event, though it was unclear how far into the training they were.
Most of the Rudder’s Rangers had left College Station starting at 9 a.m. and were shuttled by the helicopters to Bastrop, officials said, adding that one squad remained on campus. Those students were taken to the third floor of the Military Sciences building to meet with university personnel following the crash.
The Rudder’s Rangers has been a division of the Corps of Cadets since 1970. They specialize in training members to become members of the U.S. Army Airborne, Air Assault and Rangers. The group aims to develop leadership qualities in members and focuses on small-unit tactics. It was named after James Earl Rudder, a former A&M president and decorated war hero who retired as a major general.
Meehan said the students already in Bastrop will be driven back to campus.
University officials said that students were never in immediate danger, but the school sent out a Code Maroon text message and e-mail warning people to avoid the area. Throckmorton and Lewis streets on campus will be shut down pending further notice, officials said.
Krista Hudson, who works for A&M’s Transportation Services and is retired from the military, said the sight of a downed Black Hawk was unsettling.
“I was in the military for four years and I never saw or heard anything like that,” she said. “It was like a bomb went off. When that much steel hits the ground, you feel it.”
• Staff Writers Matthew Watkins, Michelle Casady and Janet Phelps contributed to this report.
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Posted by: Aggie 86 On: 1/15/2009
Comment Title: Loss and Experience
It breaks my heart to read the comments posted here. You see, being Aggies ourselves, my husband and I feel the loss of each and every fallen Ag to our bones and our heartfelt prayers go to Lt Cook’s family for the untimely loss of their loved one. However, being a part of the Aviation Unit that these aircraft came from, our loss is doubly felt. We lost Sgt Charlie Mitz last night too. The crew of this aircraft served in Iraq with my husband as well as in SFOR14 Bosnia, Katrina, Rita, and Ike. My husband works daily with the left seat pilot, Lt Taylor, or as I know him, Ellis, the Golden Boy" :) WO2 Smith, right seat pilot, stood up for my husband at his WOC board last month. He has flown with these two pilots extensively, and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. They ARE highly trained and experienced with a year of that experience in combat over Iraq. That being said, the unit that this aircraft came from is heralded and decorated as one of the best in the nation. Unfortunately, being inside the wire, so to speak, I get to hear a bit more information than the general public does regarding the details of this crash and understand that so many of these comments stem from not knowing those details. Even knowing this, it hurts no less to read those comments about unskilled, untrained personnel, populated areas etc. Lt Cook represented our future as Aggies and Americans. Sgt Mitz served his country and community selflessly. They deserve our honor, respect, and prayers that the ones they loved in life heal from their untimely and tragic departure.
Posted by: SSG K, US ARMY AVIATION On: 1/15/2009
Comment Title: Sad day in Army Aviation
No matter the circumstances behind an accident, it is always a sad day for us in Army Aviation. The loss of a comrad is saddenning. And until the results of the accident investigation is completed, we cannot jump to conclusions, doubt someones experience levels and whatnot. All we can do is remember them for their impact on our lives, whether from close or afar. Losing comrads is something that sticks with us for the remainder of our lives. Hearing the judgements placed on them by individuals who do not know that much about it, really hits us hard. Accidents happen, and all we want to do is memorialize those we've lost. Please respect that and continue to pray for those who survived. God bless.
Posted by: AgCountry On: 1/14/2009
Comment Title: Wow, what's the point?
My prayers to Cook's family. Thank god for this kind of training or we wouldn't be able to defend our nation as we do! What a great point--that it is so much more possible to die in a car crash then in an incident such as this! I find it so unfortunate in life as a whole, that people are so willing to pass judgement and give their opinions--not because it is wrong to do so, but that they do it with the ignorance of someone not at all involved. Do you remember "primary sources"--that term we learned in grade school? Why is it that people ignore the necessity of such a source simply because it's not for a paper that will be graded? i make it a point in life to seek the truth and I believe that much of our previous generations had that same desire. Have we all gotten caught up in living so much that we no longer have time to make the most of what is real? It's so astounding to me to read the comments some of you make here when the obvious problem is not the what when where or how but the WHO! Selfish for thinking you know better and selfish for not putting these people and their families foremost!
Posted by: On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title:
Fair enough, Molly. I'm glad that it wasn't a serious comment. And your new comment made me laugh.
Posted by: USAF Pilot A&M c/o 2002 On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title:
Would this have been less of a tragedy had the crash occurred at Easterwood? Absolutely not. The location of this accident has nothing to do with the cause of it. Accidents of this nature can occur any where, any time during flight. As aviators it's a risk we accept, but also one we prepare for to the utmost possible. We can play the 'what if' game all day long with possible crash scenarios. But the only way to win that game is to not fly at all and that's obviously not going to happen. From a safety standpoint, I personally would rather fly than take a bus any day. So instead of playing the what if, who's to blame game here, focus on the tragic loss of the young Lieutenant.
Posted by: Molly On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title: What about the victims, Part Three
Re: "Wow, the last sentence in that comment sure does reek of maturity!" Relax -- the older I get the more childish I get. It's one of the "perks" of old age. Besides, "Shut don't go up but prices do; so take my advice and shut up too"(second-grade-playground-fighting-words!). Besides, I love West Texas -- It takes fortitude to live out here, so that's what most of us have; and we tolerate most attitudes, because there are fewer of us.
Posted by: On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title:
Oh, and perhaps WestTexasAggie knows the "where, what, when, and why" because it's published in this very article. This isn't exactly a covert operation. Whether you agree with WestTexasAggie or not, I'm not gonna buy the "if you weren't involved in the procedure or planning of this event, you aren't allowed to even think" crap.
Posted by: On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title:
Wow, the last sentence in that comment sure does reek of maturity!
Posted by: Molly On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title: What about the victims, Part Two
To ArmyWifeAggie88, Thank you for those wise words. I was like you, only different branch of service, and wonderful LT husband is now a retired colonel! The military is like A&M. From the outside one can't understand it; and from the inside, one can't explain it. Our hearts hurt for all the crewmembers who went through this tragedy, and we grieve for the precious young man who lost his lfe. To WestTexasAggie, Are you in charge of the Army, Texas A&M, or Easterwood Airport? If you are not, then how do you know the reason for this exercise being what, when, and where it was? Perhaps you should stay in West Texas -- fewer people out here to listen to your reasoning.
Posted by: On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title: A heartbreaking tragedy
Everyone needs to go back and read the comment from the friend of the pilot. He said it best about the young men and women in our military. They are our sons and daughters who protect us! Thank god they are willing to do what it takes to keep us free. Before critizing them, know the facts. I dare you to walk a mile in their shoes. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the entire crew. Remember-before they were soldiers, they were our children. God Bless our Men and Women of the Armed Forces!!
Posted by: Ag '83 On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title:
West TX Aggie you sir are unreal! Joe you are right. Its kind of like our society today would prefer to have a country club army. I bet over the years we have had more Ags killed driving to and from football games than on Corp transports. "HERE"
Posted by: Joe On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title: Dangerous
The military does involve a certain amount of danger. They do prepare for and engage in WAR ya know? As far as everyday life goes, you're in more danger driving your car down Hwy 6 than flying in one of these craft...
Posted by: jenna On: 1/13/2009
Comment Title: A&M Class of 2010
here.
Posted by: WestTexasAggie On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: Do most of you people ever think?
The logical fallacies of many of the commenters here make my head spin and make me hope that none of them have a job that entails any decision making that could cause bodily injury or death to others. Of course, if someone was injured in that area, everyone would want a medical helicopter to be able to land there and be glad that it could do so. But in that case, it would be a reasonable and necessary act. In today's case, the activities (shuttling cadets back from a camp near Austin) may have some reasonable merit, but they certainly weren't necessary and the landing location for sure wasn't necessary. Just because the copters can land there doesn't mean they need to land there. If the helicopters need to be used to return the cadets from the camp, they could fly to Easterwood and then use a bus or van to get the cadets back to campus. It ain't that far, and it has actual landing areas far away from TAMU offices and dorms. Once again, poor decision making by the people in charge of this university. This is a bad and deadly habit. My best wishes go out to those affected by this incident.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
The only comments on this should be condolences to the family of the LT lost in this accident and wishing a speedy recovery to the other soldiers injured. The comments from people who nothing about Army aviation as to cause of this accident need to keep them to themselves and let the Army perform its investigation. As for the risk of the helicopter performing operations on the campus... Before any mission there multiple risk assessments performed to mitigate any risk to crew, A/C, people and property. Lets remember the officer who lost their life today and let their family grieve without the speculation of causes of this accident.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
I think everyone needs to just stop criticizing in general, this is not the time for it. The media has this bad habit of rushing the story and in the process gets facts wrong. So let us all just wait to get all of the facts. This is a time to mourn the fallen and pray for the injured and the families. For those of you who have an A&M flag and have the means to fly it, tomorrow is a good time to show your support to a fellow Aggie and those of the US Army.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Who here is slamming the military? I haven't seen one post here being negative to the military.
Posted by: ArmyWifeAggie88 On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: wait before you post
Please, people, wait for the facts to come out before posting where the families will see your ignorance. It seems like there are some other agendas at play here. Please let the Aggies grieve and sort this out before you pass judgment and jump on the "slam the military" bandwagon. God bless to that young LT and everyone who knew him. Many, many years ago my wonderful husband was a newly commissioned Army LT when we graduated together. We have seen many tragedies at our beloved Aggieland. I would respectfully ask that "outsiders" fully research Texas A&M University before chiming in.
Posted by: L. On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: change the circumstances
Those bringing up the 'populated' areas, and the danger involved.......think if you were with a loved one (or anyone, really) crossing that very field, and they collasped, appearing to be dead....I bet you would not think twice about waving in a chopper to pick them us ASAP and get them to proper facilities. Anyone driving down my street or passing me when I am on a sidewalk, could swerve and kill me or badly inure me.....there are risks in anything.....and everything. What about driving? I have a family member who is a pilot, and I am much more concerned about him getting to the airport via automobile, than the time spent flying. That is another perspective....MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE EXTENDED TO THE FAMILIES AND INJURED IN THIS TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.....conjecture and unfounded scenarios should be for a later time out of respect.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: The facts and something about my friend
Here are the facts from a cadet and a student. Helicopters fly over all the time and these pilots are more than qualified to fly up and land in the space provided. This was a tail ruder malfunction and nothing more. These were essential tools to train our future military officers. If you have a problem with choppers flying and just the military ones then complain to the news chopper that took video of the accident. Next I would just like to say that I am saddened by the untimely death of my friend he graduated and was commissioned into the army in December. He was 23 and one of the best people I new. He would do anything for you before he worried about himself. I hope that everyone keeps his family and friends in there prayers. He was a dear friend and he will be missed and remembered. I hope this changes some of your minds and makes you think about your life and realize that you need to be thankful for what you have now cuz there might not be a tomorrow. This man was alive yesterday and i can tell you this he was happy with his life and thankful for what he had. Thanks and Gigem
Posted by: GCD On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: Dangerous??
This could just as easily have been a Lifeline helicopter air evacuating a victim from an automobile accident on campus. The photo sequence appears to show the tail rotor not spinning, which would be a prime cause of the accident. Any flying, regardless of the aircraft, is inherently dangerous. Aircraft of all types fly over the campus every day arriving and departing Easterwood. For those who are concerned about the Army using an open field on the campus, what would you do with all THOSE aircraft? Reminds me of people who build a house in the flight path of an airport and them complain about the noise or danger to their house. Unfortunate accident, yes; uncommon, no. Could just as easily have happened at the Air Guard base, or any point in between. Let's not make this about the military "conducting training" on a campus, which it wasn't.
Posted by: Skye On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: Clarify
Skye says what they were doing was OK. The risk was in a range that should be considered acceptable.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
And by the way, Molly, I do have empathy. I obviously feel for the ones close to those who were lost and I am saddened (as I mentioned earlier), but I also was angry (at pretenses which I gladly admit I now know were false). If I did not have empathy, I wouldn't have been angry at all because none of this directly affected me. And I wasn't assigning the blame either, I simply stated that I was angry such an operation was allowed to happen there. But that's all a moot point now that a very important fact was pointed out.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: Not Dangerous
There's plenty of room for those helicopters to maneuver at Duncan Field, it's huge. Helicopters fly over houses on and near military bases all the time. Go visit Killeen for an example. They fly over my house by the airport in BCS, along with fighter jets and cargo jets. It was a mechanical problem, most likely the tail rotor, and the helo came straight down. It was the middle of a training operation for the Corps, we're a military service university and there's a lot of training all over the area. If that makes people nervous, they need to move. Don't be afraid of what could happen and the people who are training to protect you, most of us are a mile from campus. Pray for the soldiers who took the time to train our students to be officers, they risked/gave their lives.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Ah, I stand corrected. I was under the impression that this was a training exercise for the Army pilots themselves and that the cadets were allowed to observe (like an incentive flight). My argument was that inexperienced pilots should not be training near populated areas. I understand that such an occurrence could happen with a news or medical evac helicopter, but I had mistakenly thought that the Army unit was actually putting part of their pilot training syllabus into action during this particular situation (which would increase the risk of danger substantially). My anger was based on the principle of something like that being allowed to happen, but now that I am aware that was not the case, I am not so concerned. Thank you for pointing out that important fact.
Posted by: Molly On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: What about the victims???
Well, we have all commented about the danger to civilians and students and about the great photography; now how about the thing that makes this crash such a tragedy -- the loss of a member of the United States Armed Forces who was and is forever an Aggie, and the horrible injuries suffered by some of the crewmembers? News and police helicopters fly around all the time. If there is a news event near your house, there will be a chopper in the air, no matter how many civilians are in danger. The police rightfully use helicopters if there is a danger to civilian safety in a certain area, populated or not. What makes it different because this was a military helicopter? Don't judge without knowing all the facts and having all the questions answered. And think about all the people in the families of the victims. Have a little empathy, or try to.
Posted by: Jeff On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: Dangerous?
Helicopters fly over cities all the time. News helicopters, police helicopters, ceo helicopters, medical helicopters, and yes even military helicopters. I hate to point out the obvious, but any of them could have an accident like this at any time. The training is not for the people flying the helicopter; it's for the cadets that are simply RIDING in the helicopter. The pilots are fully trained and fully capable individuals that aren't doing anything out of the ordinary. You people need to take a step back and think before assigning blame for something that you know nothing about.
Posted by: Skye On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: Looks like I'm in the minority...
OK it was dangerous. So are the flyovers at football games, riding a bike, or driving a car. Lets send the Corps to the same place we sent the bonfire and put a bubble over everyone at the university and live in total paranoia. Put me down as on the DISAGREE THAT IT WAS TO DANGEROUS side. They were simply shuttling personnel. Heck President Bush's chopper could have crashed at A&M. And yes, prayers to all involved.
Posted by: VB On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: Praying for the survivors
Praying for the survivors and praying for the family members of all those involved. May God send His peace to comfort you.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Yes this is a very populated area. Maybe it is not dense like NYC but this is a real suburb. The copter just as easily could have come down on a nearby apartment complex and put many civilians out of their homes. This was under a mile from my home. Military choppers have no real business practicing near my home.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Yes, dangerous training...as we can obviously see from what happened here. I would definitely rule aviation as a dangerous activity no matter what the circumstances (and I'm an aviation enthusiast). And helicopters are very dangerous aircraft by their nature, that's no secret. Whether it's a field or not, it's not a REMOTE one...it is clearly on the campus and near a populated area. Aircraft travel several hundred feet per second; there's a reason training like this is almost always done in the most remote areas possible. If the mishap had happened just a few seconds later, it is quite possible that the crash site could have been a populated street or building. Obviously I am deeply saddened by what has happened, but I am also angered that such an activity was even allowed to happen there in the first place.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Dangerous military training? Extremely populated area? Duncan field is no where close to being an "extremely populated area" .... Texas A&M is one of the largest (land wise as well) universities in the country - this was a field! Lets wait for FACTS to come out first! As a fellow Aggie and Soldier my prayers go out to ALL of the families affected by the day!
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
To the genius below... That doesn't change the fact that they were doing dangerous military training in an extremely populated area. It would have been much more sensible to transport these selected cadets to an area more suitable for this kind of activity. I am a former AFROTC cadet from a different university and I know that it is not difficult to get temporary base access for cadets if it's with a good cause. I'm sure the entire detachment was not helping the flight crew, so it really pointless for them to be doing the exercise on campus. Count me in as another who is fortunate that things weren't anywhere near as bad as they could have been.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
To the genius below inquiring about the military training ... they were doing military excercises FOR the cadets there on campus - usually the Rudders Rangers (ie they were helping out!! - not just flying around for the hell of it!!)
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Great shot! My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.
Posted by: k-Dog On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
well then...the photographer (Dave) has skills
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: about the photo
It's called having the skills,and being at the right place and the right time.No such thing of luck with photography.You have to know what your doing.and seeing the picture before you shoot it
Posted by: K-Dog On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
I agree with the previous post... luckily this training was during a break for the students. It could have been a serious accident (or more serious involving pedestrians) Also, great photo...I'm assuming the photographer was trying to get a shot of the helicopters leaving or something...I'm sure we may see this photo on major papers in the morning and on networks tonight.
Posted by: David On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Whatever they were doing this type of activity should be confined to military training installations, not public universities. It was unfortunate that anyone was killed, it could have been a much greater tragedy. Hopefully, someone with some common sense will put an end to using the university as some kind of military training ground for heliocopters.
Posted by: On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title: AMAZING PHOTO!!
I would love to hear the story of how this photographer got this shot! Amazing! On another note...my thoughts go out to the injured and the family who lost a loved one!
Posted by: x-H60 mechanic On: 1/12/2009
Comment Title:
Hmmm....sounds like a tail rotor drive failure. Glad no one was killed.
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