A UH-1Y Venom helicopter with five soldiers on board crashed on 23 July 2026 at the Náměšť nad Oslavou base, killing one female soldier and injuring four.
As of 24 July, the four injured soldiers are conscious, stabilized, and not in immediate danger, according to the army. Three were taken to Brno hospitals, one to Jihlava.
Seven people who inhaled smoke while extinguishing the fire were taken to Třebíč hospital; all are in good condition, with two discharged on the evening of the crash.
The army suspended operations of all UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters until the investigation is complete.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna, and Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar expressed condolences; Zůna and Air Force commander Petr Tománek visited the base.
On 23 July 2026, shortly after noon, a Czech Air Force UH-1Y Venom helicopter crashed during landing at the 22nd Helicopter Air Base in Náměšť nad Oslavou, in the Třebíč region. The aircraft was returning from a routine training flight with five soldiers on board. Base commander Petr Slíva told journalists that the crash occurred about 50 metres above the ground. Police received notification of the incident at 12:11, according to regional police spokesperson Dana Čírtková.
One soldier, a woman, died at the scene. Four others were injured, three with medium-severe injuries and one with light injuries. The army immediately cordoned off the crash site, positioning military vehicles to block the view.
Emergency services transported the three medium-severely injured soldiers to hospitals in Brno. Two were admitted to the Fakultní nemocnice Bohunice, where deputy director for communication Lucie Jungwirthová described their condition as serious. The third was taken to the hospital of St. Anne, spokesperson Jiří Erlebach confirmed. The soldier with light injuries was taken to Jihlava hospital and placed in the intensive care unit on the traumatology ward. Spokesperson Monika Zachrlová said the patient was not in immediate danger but remained under intensive care.
Seven people who inhaled smoke while extinguishing the helicopter fire were taken to Třebíč hospital. Spokesperson Jitka Mácová stated that all were hospitalised preventively and were in good condition. Two were discharged on the evening of the crash, and the remaining five were expected to be released on Friday 24 July.
On Friday morning, the army announced on X that the four injured soldiers were conscious, stabilised, and not in immediate danger. The army said it was providing maximum support to the injured and their families.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) posted on X.
“I was struck by the news of the army helicopter crash. I am thinking of the soldiers who were doing their duty. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. To the family and loved ones of the soldier who lost their life in this tragic accident, I express my sincere condolences. Honour to their memory.”
Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (SPD) and Air Force commander Petr Tománek travelled to the base. Zůna and Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar (ANO) also expressed condolences. The army stated that out of respect for the bereaved, it would not release the identity of the deceased soldier or any further personal details.
The army immediately suspended operations of all UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters, collectively referred to as the H-1 system, until the investigation is completed. The base in Náměšť also operates Mi-171Š helicopters, which were not affected by the grounding. The army said it would release further information when the situation allows, respecting the course of the investigation.
The Czech Republic purchased eight Venom and four Viper helicopters from the United States in 2019. The contract was signed in December 2019 by then-defence minister Lubomír Metnar (ANO). The last two machines arrived in the country in June 2024. US experts provided training for Czech personnel on the new aircraft until last year.
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A UH-1Y Venom helicopter crashed during landing at the 22nd Helicopter Air Base in Náměšť nad Oslavou on 23 July, killing one soldier and injuring four. The army suspended all Venom and Viper flights pending investigation.
AI text based on reports by ČT24, Aktuálně.cz and Blesk.cz. Published .