British Chopper Down

[tomahawk6]

Sad news this morning about the crash of a British Army helo with five fatalities.

http://news.yahoo.com/5-nato-troops-killed-afghan-helicopter-crash-094838895.html

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Five NATO troops died in a British helicopter crash Saturday in southern Afghanistan, authorities said, the single deadliest day this year for foreign forces as they prepare to withdraw from the country.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27170955

 

[CombatDoc]

Very sad. Condolences to their family, friends and colleagues.

 

[tomahawk6]

Update: The chopper was a Lynx with 5 on board 3 aircrew,RAF member and an Army Reservist.

https://www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/five-uk-service-personnel-killed-in-afghanistan

The crash happened during a routine flight in Kandahar Province, southern Afghanistan, on 26 April 2014. Three of the servicemen were from the Army Air Corps, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. One was a Royal Air Force serviceman also based at RAF Odiham. One was a member of the Army Reserve from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion, based in London.

Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Major General Richard Felton, said:


“
It is with great sadness that we must confirm that five UK Service personnel have been killed in this incident which, at this early stage, would appear to have been a tragic accident.


“
Events like this, whilst mercifully rare, remind us of the risks our personnel face in their work in Afghanistan as we approach the conclusion of the combat mission later this year. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.”

The next of kin of all the servicemen have been informed.

 

[Good2Golf]

RIP to the aviators and soldiers lost in the crash.   

 

[Eye In The Sky]

RIP 

 

[tomahawk6]

Update: The Lynx was part of a squadron that supported special operations and the pilots were among the most skilled.The names will be released today.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/10791194/Armys-most-skilled-pilots-among-five-killed-in-Afghanistan-helicopter-crash.html

MoD has released the names and a bit of background on each service member killed. RIP 

https://www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/five-uk-service-personnel-killed-in-afghanistan

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the names of the five service personnel who lost their lives following the crash of a Lynx helicopter in southern Afghanistan on 26 April 2014.

They are: Captain Thomas Clarke Army Air Corps; Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan Royal Air Force; Warrant Officer Class 2 Spencer Faulkner Army Air Corps; Corporal James Walters Army Air Corps and Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas Intelligence Corps.