The helicopter instructor who died in Wednesday’s crash on an Army base in Alabama has been identified as a retired Army officer and a respected pilot.

The commander at Fort Novosel — previously known as Fort Rucker — identified the instructor as Ret. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel L. Munger.

Munger, said Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, was “a respected AH-64 Apache instructor pilot.”

“To the Munger family, we mourn for you and with you,” said Gill. “We respect your expressed desire for privacy, and ask the Wiregrass community to do the same.”

It was not immediately clear where Munger is from.

Fort Novosel officials were notified around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday of a “mishap of an AH-64 Apache helicopter conducting routine flight training on Fort Novosel,” the base said in a statement Wednesday.

Munger was pronounced dead at the scene.

The student pilot sustained minor injuries and was airlifted via Army medical helicopter for medical evaluation, the base said.

The student pilot was released from the hospital Wednesday night, Gill said Thursday.

The Army’s Combat Readiness Center at Fort Novosel is investigating the cause of the crash near Lake Tholocco.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to all who assisted in the crisis response.,” Gill siad. “The collaboration and swift response of many organizations were commendable, and I am honored to call them teammates.”

Gill asked the community “all come together to support both families through the profound impact of this devastating mishap. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”