Crew Members in Helicopter Crash Identified
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS030717-12
Release Date: 7/17/2003 10:33:00 AM
From Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- All four crew members are confirmed dead following a U.S. Navy helicopter crash, July 16, in Sicily. The fourth crew member was recovered from the crash site July 17 at approximately 12:10 p.m. local time (6:10 a.m. EST).
The Heavy Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 4 crew included: executive officer Cdr. Kevin A. Bianchi, 40, Maplewood, N.J.; Lt. Peter Ober, 27, Jacksonville, Fla.; Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Brian P. Gibson, 33, Richmond, Va.; and Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Samuel Cox, 21, Duluth, Minn.
The MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter crashed on land approximately 10 miles west southwest of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella near Palagonia, Sicily, July 16 at 5 p.m. local time (11 a.m. EST). The crew was conducting a routine training mission.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
HC-4, the Black Stallions, is based at NAS Sigonella, Sicily. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for all Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea.
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