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ACC releases HH-60 accident report
7/3/2003 -LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) -- Air Force investigators were
unable to determine the primary cause of the crash of an HH-60G March 23, in
Afghanistan.
According to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report
released today, investigators found substantial evidence that three factors
contributed to the accident. First, the refueling tanker was flying 150 feet
below the required altitude of 500 feet. Second, limited light reduced the
effectiveness of night vision goggles, which led to spatial disorientation and
loss of situational awareness. Third, the terrain's high altitude, 9,000 feet
above sea level, combined with the 30-degree bank during the refueling
aircraft's climbing turn made it difficult to maintain the helicopter in the
refueling position.
The crew of six airmen from the 41st and 38th Rescue squadrons, at Moody Air
Force Base, Ga., died as a result of the crash. The aircraft, valued at more
than $21 million, was destroyed. The crew was en route to support a medical
evacuation mission when the incident occurred.
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