BOISE -- Pilot error caused an Apache helicopter crash that claimed the life of two Idaho Army National Guard pilots in November, according to a newly released report.
On Nov. 6, 2014, Chief Warrant Officers Stien Gearhart, of Meridian, and Jon Hartway, of Kuna, were on a routine training mission when their helicopter crashed near Gowen Field, killing them instantly.
The training mission was to practice flying with only one of the helicopter's two engines.
However, the report shows that not just one, but both control levers were placed into a "lockout" position, essentially shutting down power to the engines.
Colonel Tim Marsano, spokesman for the Idaho National Guard, described it as being similar to switching a car's transmission into neutral with one foot on the gas pedal, causing the vehicle's engine to over-speed. "However", Marsano says, "on an Apache Longbow helicopter, the engines are designed to shut down, rather than over-speed."
Investigators have not concluded which pilot made the mistake, since the throttles in the helicopter can be operated from the front and back seats.
Col. Marsano told reporters on Saturday, "The two-man flight crew experienced an emergency situation from which it was not possible to recover.
According to the report, the pilots were just 400 feet above ground and only had about 3 seconds to react before impact.
The report was put together by an 11-person team of U.S. Army investigators.
The families of both victims also issued a statement regarding Saturday's report through the Meridian Police Department. The statement says in part, "Our only request at this time is for the public and the media to please respect our privacy as we process this information and continue the grieving process."
The family also thanked the public, U.S. military personnel, and the Idaho National Guard for their support.
