Fort Carson helicopters grounded after severe Colorado storm

Fort Carson Base and the helicopters stationed there were heavily affected by the strong storms that passed over part of Colorado on August 1 of this year. It is already known that some of the helicopters suffered serious 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. It is known that helicopters belonging to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 4th Infantry Division, are stationed there. From the short statement to the press and photos appearing on social media, one can conclude that the weather took its toll primarily due to the strong winds. Some helicopters were 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, one can see, among other things, a Chinook helicopter with a damaged rotor. This helicopter is characterized by its unusual design and resulting highly distinctive appearance. It is sometimes referred to as the "flying banana." It has two counter-rotating rotors located at opposite ends of the fuselage. It measures about 30 metres in length, can reach a maximum speed of over 299 km/h, and can carry up to 10,000 kilograms of cargo.

In addition, the published photos show, among other things, an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and a UH-60 Black Hawk multi-role helicopter.