U.S. Copter Crashes Into River in Iraq

[Seraphim]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. military helicopter crashed Wednesday into a river west of Baghdad, police and witnesses said. There was no immediate word on casualties.



The crash took place in the city of Haditha, 120 miles from the capital.


"We are aware of an incident with a coalition helicopter near al-Hadithah," the military command in Baghdad said, without providing details.

[Argyll]

Did they ever recover the crew from the last helo that crashed into a river?

I hope the crew of this one is ok? :(

[Seraphim]

Iraq Helicopter Crash Kills Two Soldiers

HADITHA, Iraq - An American military OH-58 Kiowa helicopter crashed Wednesday into a river west of Baghdad, killing the two crewmembers on board, the U.S. military and police said.



The helicopter, which carries a two-member crew, crashed about 1:50 p.m. near Haditha, 120 miles from the capital, Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt said.


Kimmitt also said the cause of the crash had not been determined.


In Haditha, Emad Rasheed, 45, said two U.S. helicopters were flying over the area when a missile hit one of them. However, Kimmitt said the second helicopter reported seeing no hostile fire.


With the latest crash, the U.S. military has lost 15 helicopters since the occupation began in May — most to hostile fire. At least 60 Americans have been killed in the crashes.

[oldsoak]

:( :(

[Trident-za]

Did they ever recover the crew from the last helo that crashed into a river?

I hope the crew of this one is ok? :(

Yes, as far as I remember the bodies of the pilots from that last helo were recovered earlier this month. The body of the missing soldier they were searchign for has also been recovered. I think the Iraqi police found the missing soldier and one of the pilots at the bottom of the river.

Hope this crew come out OK.

Edit: I see this crew of this helo died - RIP

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/*******20040225_145.html

[Midtown]

One of the guys I know who flys helo just died, we are 95% sure this is the incident he was in. Really awesome guy too. Ill let you know if we can confirm it.

[NcDeuce]

Did they ever recover the crew from the last helo that crashed into a river?

I hope the crew of this one is ok? :(

Still MIA according to the local Ft. Campbell news.






And who said we should not upgrade the Kiowa?

[AFACadet]

It would have happened with ANY helicopter.

[NcDeuce]

The spokesman said the crash appeared to have been caused by a mechanical malfunction rather than hostile fire.

[Trident-za]

The missing GI found

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20040210-0338.html


The 2 pilots found


http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,8690146%5E1702,00.html

[usa320]

If i was president id be vetoeing the decision to cancel the commanche right now- as a matter of fact id be ordering that production be sped up.