Military

Helicopter Crashes in Sicily

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030716-11

Release Date: 7/16/2003 1:35:00 PM

From Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- A helicopter from Helicopter Support Squadron (HC) 4 crashed approximately 10 miles on land, west southwest of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella near Palagonia, Sicily, July 16 at 5 p.m. local time (11 a.m. EST). Four crew members were aboard at the time of the accident.

Firefighters and security from NAS Sigonella are at the scene of the accident.

The status of crew members are unknown. The names of the crew members are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

HC-4 provides heavy helicopter combat support to the fleet in the Mediterranean. HC-4 uses the MH-53E Sea Dragon.