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Geese caused fatal USAF helicopter crash in Cley, report says | Geese caused fatal USAF helicopter crash in Cley, report says |
(35 minutes later) | |
Investigators found "clear" evidence "bird strikes" caused a helicopter crash which killed four people. | Investigators found "clear" evidence "bird strikes" caused a helicopter crash which killed four people. |
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 geese strikes "rendered" both the pilot and co-pilot unconscious. | The Accident Investigation Branch says the geese strikes "rendered" both the pilot and co-pilot unconscious. |
The helicopter was flying 110ft (33m) above ground level at a speed of about 110 knots (126mph) just before the crash. | The helicopter was flying 110ft (33m) above ground level at a speed of about 110 knots (126mph) just before the crash. |
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." |
One goose, he said, also hit the aerial gunner, causing a loss of consciousness. | One goose, he said, also hit the aerial gunner, causing a loss of consciousness. |
Three seconds after the bird strike, the helicopter, which was one of two Pave Hawks on the moonlit training mission, crashed. | 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. | "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 report said the pilot had "followed the available guidance on bird hazards in the UK". |
Richard Kelham, chairman of Cley Parish Council, said residents had long-held concerns over low-flying helicopters over the marsh, which is a Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve. | Richard Kelham, chairman of Cley Parish Council, said residents had long-held concerns over low-flying helicopters over the marsh, which is a Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve. |
"These findings strengthen our hand in the argument against low flying over nature reserves," Mr Kelham said. | "These findings strengthen our hand in the argument against low flying over nature reserves," Mr Kelham said. |
"Our concerns are for both the welfare of the wildlife but also from a safety point of view. | "Our concerns are for both the welfare of the wildlife but also from a safety point of view. |
"It is inherently dangerous to fly low over an area with a lot of birds and hopefully lessons can be learned from this tragedy." | "It is inherently dangerous to fly low over an area with a lot of birds and hopefully lessons can be learned from this tragedy." |
The type of geese involved in the crash typically weigh between 6 to 12 lbs (2.7-5.4kg). | The type of geese involved in the crash typically weigh between 6 to 12 lbs (2.7-5.4kg). |
Col Kyle Robinson, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, said the risk of bird strikes in the area had been assessed. | |
"We have bird strikes every time we fly an aircraft," he said. "Obviously we fly with the birds. | |
"It's very unfortunate what happened in this case. You can't foresee that happening. | |
"We looked at all the guidance that's put out. In that particular area the bird strike risk was low." | |
The report said the cost of the crash in financial terms to the US military was $40.3m (£23.5m). | The report said the cost of the crash in financial terms to the US military was $40.3m (£23.5m). |