Mon, Jul 03, 2006
Enemy Action Ruled Out As Cause
Aero-News has learned one crewman
was killed and another injured Sunday when an AH-64 Apache attack
helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Kandahar Airfield in
southern Afghanistan.
Coalition officials said enemy action has been ruled out as a
possible cause for the downing, which occurred at about 8:30 pm
Afghanistan time, or 12 noon Eastern Daylight Time.
The injured crewman was taken to the airfield's military
hospital. No report was immediately available on his condition.
The helicopter was one of several responding to a reported
rocket attack against Kandahar Airfield, officials said. No
injuries were reported from the rocket attack, the second in three
days. A rocket attack at the airfield June 30 left 10 people
injured.
The cause of the crash will be investigated, officials said, but
enemy fire has been ruled out as a cause for the aircraft's
loss.
"We deeply regret the death of our superb pilot tonight," said
Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of Combined Joint
Task Force 76. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,
friends and fellow aviators of our dedicated soldier who lost his
life tonight executing a mission he believed in. His sacrifice will
not be forgotten.
"We are thankful for the rapid response of our joint team who
rescued our injured pilot," the general continued. "His rescue was
heroic and responsive. We are determined never to leave a fallen
comrade, and our well trained force demonstrated that tonight."
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