Four Special Operations Soldiers Killed in Black Hawk Crash Near JBLM, Washington

Four soldiers from the Army's elite aviation unit were killed when their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a routine training mission west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state on Wednesday night. The crash occurred about 9 p.m., the Army Special Operations Command said, and recovery teams remained on site as investigators reviewed the incident. The soldiers were part of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Airborne, known as the Night Stalkers for their proficiency in nighttime operations.

Initial information indicated the aircraft was on a standard training flight when it went down near JBLM, which is located about 10 miles south of Tacoma. The National Weather Service reported mostly clear skies with light southerly winds around the time of the crash. Officials said they would release the soldiers' names when appropriate out of respect for the families. Law enforcement, firefighters, and JBLM personnel were involved in the recovery operation and securing the scene.

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of USASOC, expressed condolences, saying, "Our hearts are with the families, friends, and teammates of these Night Stalkers. They were elite warriors who embodied the highest values of the Army and the Army Special Operations, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten." Army Secretary Dan Driscoll posted on X that his heart was heavy and that prayers were with those involved, their families, and the JBLM community as updates were awaited.

Crews from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, are tasked with organizing, equipping and employing Army special operations aviation forces around the world. The unit, known as Night Stalkers, has long been recognized for its proficiency in nighttime operations and for carrying out some of the Army's most difficult missions in all environments, day and night.

In recent years, the regiment has been involved in several high-profile operations. The crash marks the second deadly incident involving the unit in a span of years: in 2023, five Army aviation special operations forces were killed in the Eastern Mediterranean during a routine air-refueling mission tied to training. At JBLM itself, March 2024 saw two soldiers hospitalized after an Apache helicopter crash during a training exercise. The investigation into the latest crash is ongoing, and authorities have not released a probable-cause determination.

The crash also sparked a small wildfire outside the crash site, which grew to about 1.25 acres by Friday morning, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Officials said the fire activity remained minimal and a single engine was on scene to help monitor and contain the blaze. JBLM authorities and local law enforcement said they would provide updates as more information becomes available.