FOUR AIRMEN KILLED - Helicopter crashes after colliding with geese

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sybil Taunton
  • USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  A flock of geese caused an HH-60 Pave Hawk to crash near Cley, Norfolk, England, Jan. 7, according to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa officials. The crash resulted in the death of all four crew members aboard the helicopter.

The recently released accident investigation board report said the multiple bird strikes rendered the pilot and co-pilot unconscious, with at least three geese penetrating the aircraft's windscreen. According to the report, the impact with the birds also disabled the trim and flight path stabilization system.

The crew and the aircraft were assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron, operating out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Cost of the mishap is estimated at more than $40 million, the report said.