Reports: Kiowa Hit Tension Line

A U.S. military helicopter crashed Wednesday into the Euphrates River in western Iraq, killing two crew members, a spokesman for the American-led coalition said. It is not known whether the helicopter was attacked or went down because of mechanical difficulties, said Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, a U.S. Army spokesman.

"A sister ship escorting the aircraft did not observe enemy fire, and an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident," he said

The chopper is an OH-58 Kiowa (file photo,right), a reconnaissance craft that carries two crew members. The aircraft is in the Euphrates River on its side, and dive teams have been contacted for assistance, Kimmitt said. The crash occurred around Hadithah in the 82nd Airborne Division's area of operations, which stretches to the Syrian border. Hadithah, which sits along the Euphrates, is about 120 miles (193 kilometers) west of Baghdad.

Some news reports indicated the helicopter may have hit a high-tension wire, as it skimmed low over the ground. Military officials did not confirm these reports by ANN's deadline.

FMI: www.army.mil