Storm damages helicopters at Fort Carson; assessment underway

Fort Carson Base and its stationed helicopters were heavily affected by the strong storms that swept across part of Colorado on August 1. It has been confirmed that some helicopters suffered significant damage.

Currently, the Fort Carson command has not specified the exact number of helicopters damaged or the estimated repair costs. The damage assessment is still ongoing. Helicopters from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 4th Infantry Division, are known to be stationed there. Based on a brief statement to the press and photos on social media, it appears that strong winds caused much of the damage, with some helicopters being 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 is visible. This helicopter is known for its unique design and highly distinctive appearance, often called the "flying banana." It has two counter-rotating rotors located at opposite ends of the fuselage, measures about 98 feet in length, can reach a maximum speed of over 186 mph, and can carry up to 22,000 pounds of cargo.

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