Air Force Academy Major killed in helicopter crash in Afghanistan

An officer assigned to the Air Force Academy was killed in a non-hostile helicopter crash near Kabul, Afghanistan on October 11.

Maj. Phyllis Pelky, 45, was assigned to the Air Force Academy headquarters staff. She was one of five killed and five injured in the accident.

“We are grieving a deeply felt loss today,” said Lt. Gen. Michelle
Johnson, Academy superintendent. “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go
out to the family and loved ones of Major Pelky and all those affected by
this tragedy.”

Major Pelky was deployed to Afghanistan, in support of Operation Freedom’s
Sentinel, at the time of the crash. She was originally from Rio Rancho, New
Mexico.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.