Accident Occurred Following Firefight

U.S. military authorities have determined that the cause of an MH-47 helicopter crash in Afghanistan's Badghis province October 26 was a combination of factors caused by very low visibility, officials said Wednesday.

The crash killed seven U.S. servicemembers and three U.S. civilians.

The incident occurred about 0330 when the helicopter lifted off following a successful operation against militants. Thick dust was stirred up by the initial takeoff, overwhelming the visibility of the helicopter crew. As the crew tried to correct the aircraft's movement, it struck a tall structure, causing it to crash. Militants did not fire at the helicopter at any point during the departure or crash, officials said.

Before the crash, a combined team of Afghan and international forces and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency members was conducting a mission to disrupt arms smuggling and narcotics trafficking in the Darreh-ye Bum Village in the province's Qadis district. Finances from these illegal activities provide support for the insurgency.

The names of the deceased servicemembers will be released when their families are notified, and investigation of the incident still is ongoing, officials said.

FMI: www.centcom.mil