Army H60 Helicopter 22-21237 Conducts Repeated Practice Approaches Near Yakima Air Terminal

ADS-B data reviewed by SkyMeter shows U.S. Army helicopter 22-21237, an H60 variant, flying a series of repeated approach-and-go patterns in the vicinity of Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field (KYKM) in Washington state over a roughly 52-minute period beginning at 4:49 a.m. local time (04:49 UTC) on August 16, 2026.

The aircraft first appeared at 2,638 feet MSL heading south at about 109 knots, then descended and turned westward before executing a series of climbs and descents consistent with repeated practice approaches. Over the course of the flight, the track shows at least six distinct approach sequences, with the helicopter descending to the vicinity of 1,043 feet MSL and coming to a full stop on at least one occasion, around 5:08 a.m. local time, before resuming flight. Descent rates reached as steep as 3,570 feet per minute during one approach segment, and climb rates peaked at 1,740 feet per minute. The aircraft's maximum ground speed was 121 knots.

According to KIRO 7 News Seattle, a jet crash occurred near Yakima, with a pilot seeking help after the incident. The H60's repeated low-altitude maneuvering in the same area during the same timeframe may reflect a response or search pattern, though the recorded track shows only the aircraft's position, altitude, and speed and does not reveal the crew's purpose. The track ends at 5:41 a.m. local time with the helicopter at approximately 1,988 feet and 100 knots, heading northward. The full recorded track of this flight is available for replay on SkyMeter.