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USAF helicopter crash: 'Multiple bird strikes' blamed Geese caused fatal USAF helicopter crash in Cley, report says
(34 minutes later)
Investigators have found "clear" evidence "bird strikes" caused a helicopter crash which killed four men.Investigators have found "clear" evidence "bird strikes" caused a helicopter crash which killed four men.
Capt Christopher Stover, Capt Sean Ruane, Tech Sgt Dale Mathews and Staff Sgt Afton Ponce died on a training mission near Cley, Norfolk, in January.Capt Christopher Stover, Capt Sean Ruane, Tech Sgt Dale Mathews and Staff Sgt Afton Ponce died on a training mission near Cley, Norfolk, in January.
They were in an HH-60G Pave Hawk, which was part of 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.They were in an HH-60G Pave Hawk, which was part of 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
The Accident Investigation Branch says the bird strikes "rendered" both the pilot and co-pilot unconscious.The Accident Investigation Branch says the bird strikes "rendered" both the pilot and co-pilot unconscious.
In his report on the crash, Brig Gen Jon Norman said: "A flock of geese took flight from Cley Marshes, likely startled by the noise of the approaching helicopters, and struck the (helicopter).In his report on the crash, Brig Gen Jon Norman said: "A flock of geese took flight from Cley Marshes, likely startled by the noise of the approaching helicopters, and struck the (helicopter).
"At least three geese penetrated the windscreen.""At least three geese penetrated the windscreen."
Both the pilot and the co-pilot were knocked out by the strikes.
One goose, he said, also hit the aerial gunner, causing him to lose consciousness.One goose, he said, also hit the aerial gunner, causing him to lose consciousness.
Three seconds after the bird strike, the helicopter, which was one of two Pave Hawks on the moonlit training mission, crashed.
"These four airmen were known to those they loved as brother, son, father, husband, sister, daughter, mother, wife, and friend," wrote Gen Norman.
The report said the pilot had "followed the available guidance on bird hazards in the UK".
The type of geese involved in the crash typically weigh between 6 to 12 lbs (2.7-5.4kg).
The report said the cost of the crash in financial terms to the US military was $40.3m (£23.5m).