New York | National Guard soldiers killed in Black Hawk helicopter crash – Photos

Defence Redefined

Published on 21/01/2021 at 09:23

Three New York National Guard soldiers were killed Wednesday night when a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed while on a training mission in New York, according to the New York State Department of Military and Naval Affairs.

Also read: Colombia | At least 9 people were killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in the jungle

The crash took place in Mendon, about 17 miles south of Rochester, said the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Several calls for a helicopter in distress were made around 6:30 p.m., Sheriff Todd K. Baxter told a news conference.

“According to 911 reports … there were calls for the sounds of an engine sputtering and that the aircraft was flying very low, much lower than usual,” Baxter said.

Also read: Turkish helicopter crashes on Turkish-Iraqi border | VIDEO

The first correspondents arrived at the spot and found the helicopter on fire. The helicopter was on a MEDEVAC (Medical evacuation) training mission and the incident is under investigation. “We have lost three brave Americans today in the service of our country,” Baxter said.

The UH-60 helicopter, which has been used by the US Army for over 40 years, undertakes several missions, including air strikes and MEDEVAC. Its crew usually consists of a captain, a co-pilot and a crew leader.

Also read: BREAKING NEWS | NATO helicopter crash

With information from: CNN / Business Insider