Czech army grounds Venom and Viper helicopters after fatal crash at Náměšť base, one soldier dead, four injured
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.
The crash
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.
- UH-1Y Venom crashes during landing at Náměšť base, one soldier dies, four injured.
- Emergency services transport injured to Brno and Jihlava hospitals; three smoke inhalation cases to Třebíč.
- Two injured in serious condition at Brno's Bohunice hospital; one at St. Anne's; one in Jihlava ICU.
- Two smoke inhalation patients discharged from Třebíč hospital in the evening.
- Army announces injured soldiers are stable, not in immediate danger; remaining smoke patients to be discharged Friday.
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.
Casualties and hospitalisations
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.
Official reactions
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.
Fleet grounding and investigation
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.
Helicopter acquisition background
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.
