Daniel L. Munger dies in fatal Fort Novosel, Alabama helicopter crash
Fatal Fort Novosel helicopter crash death of Daniel L. Munger – Obituary
A retired Chief Warrant Officer 3, Daniel L. Munger, tragically lost his life in an AH-64 Apache helicopter crash on Wednesday at Fort Novosel, Alabama. The Army confirmed his identity on Thursday, mourning the loss of the experienced pilot.
Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, expressed his condolences, saying, “To the Munger family, we mourn for you and with you. We respect your expressed desire for privacy and ask the Wiregrass community to do the same.”
Munger’s military career began in 1995, and he dedicated over 28 years to the Army. He served in various roles, including airborne infantry soldier, drill sergeant, and long-range surveillance team leader, before transitioning to an aviator. In 2023, he retired from the Army as an AH-64D/E instructor pilot and later joined CAE USA as a contractor Apache instructor pilot.
Maj. Gen. Gill emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without speculation, stating, “The Combat Readiness Center is conducting an investigation. I trust their expertise and ask everyone to refrain from speculating out of respect for the investigative process and the families and friends of the crew.”
A U.S. Army student pilot who was also on board during the crash sustained minor injuries and was airlifted for medical evaluation. He was treated at a local hospital and released later that evening.
“The Fort Novosel team is focused on caring for the Munger family, as well as the student pilot who was evaluated and released last night,” Gill added.
This tragic incident follows another Apache mishap two months ago at Fort Riley, Kansas, which left two Army aviators injured. Additionally, in April, a civilian contractor at Fort Novosel experienced a medical emergency on the flightline, requiring immediate care from two pilots. The Army has reported 16 Class A aviation mishaps in Fiscal Year 2024, incidents that involve loss of life or significant damage.
Fatal Fort Novosel helicopter crash death of Daniel L. Munger – Obituary A retired Chief Warrant Officer 3, Daniel L. Munger, tragically lost his life in an AH-64 Apache helicopter crash on Wednesday at Fort Novosel, Alabama. The Army confirmed his identity on Thursday, mourning the loss of the experienced pilot. Maj. Gen. Clair A.…
Fatal Fort Novosel helicopter crash death of Daniel L. Munger – Obituary A retired Chief Warrant Officer 3, Daniel L. Munger, tragically lost his life in an AH-64 Apache helicopter crash on Wednesday at Fort Novosel, Alabama. The Army confirmed his identity on Thursday, mourning the loss of the experienced pilot. Maj. Gen. Clair A.…