Storm blasts Fort Carson: Helicopters flipped, causing significant damage

Fort Carson base and the helicopters stationed there strongly felt the impact of the severe storms that passed over parts of Colorado on 1 August this year. It is already known that some of the aircraft suffered significant damage.

So far, the command of Fort Carson has not specified exactly how many helicopters were damaged or the repair costs. The damage assessment is ongoing. Machines belonging to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 4th Infantry Division, are known to be stationed there. From the brief press release and photos appearing on social media, it can be concluded that the weather significantly impacted the base, mainly due to strong winds. Some helicopters were even overturned.

"At approximately 8 p.m. Aug. 1, a significant weather event occurred at Butts Army Heliport. Initial reports indicate the event caused damage to multiple aircraft belonging to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. (...) A variety of aircraft are damaged to include Apaches, Chinooks, and Black Hawks. Facilities on the heliport have minor damage. Currently, there are no environmental impacts reported. There will be a thorough investigation to assess the damage," Fort Carson command said in a press statement.

In the photos, a Chinook helicopter with a damaged rotor can be seen. This aircraft is characterised by its unusual construction and resulting very distinctive appearance. It is sometimes referred to as the "flying banana." It has two counter-rotating rotors placed at opposite ends of the fuselage. Measuring approximately 98 feet in length, it can reach a maximum speed of over 186 mph and carry up to 11 tons of cargo.

Additionally, the published photos show an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and a UH-60 Black Hawk multi-role helicopter.