Cause Not Yet Determined In Crash Near Syrian Border

In the latest sad news of what has already been a dark weekend, comes word from Iraq an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has gone down in a sparsely populated area east of the northern city of Tall Afar. The eight passengers and four crew onboard were killed, and all were believed to be Americans. 

It is not yet known what brought down the helicopter shortly before midnight Saturday. The area where the incident occurred is close to the Syrian border.

"The cause of the crash is under investigation and nothing has been ruled out," Army Lt. Col. Edward Loomis, the spokesman for the 101st Airborne, said in an e-mailed response to questions. "Our prayers are with the families of the aircraft crew and passengers."

The helicopter had been flying as part of a two-ship convoy between bases in northern Iraq when communications were lost, according to a US military statement.

Identities of those onboard the helicopter have not been released. The Black Hawk had been flying as part of Task Force Band of Brothers -- a unit largely made up of troops from the 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, KY.

FMI: www.army.mil