Helicopter crash in Kuwait kills 12

[thedrifter]

Helicopter crash in Kuwait kills 12

From Jamie McIntyre
CNN
Friday, March 21, 2003 Posted: 2:51 AM EST (0751 GMT)


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine CH-46 helicopter crashed early Friday in Kuwait, killing all 12 people aboard, the first coalition fatalities of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Pentagon officials said.

The 12 aboard included eight British military personnel and four American crew members, Pentagon officials said.

The helicopter crashed 9 miles south of Kuwait's border with Iraq at 3:40 a.m. (7:40 p.m. ET Thursday).

There was no indication of hostile fire, officials said, saying it appeared the chopper went down because of some other problem, possibly mechanical.

The CH-46 is a dual-rotor assault helicopter mainly used to transport troops, supplies and equipment. Troop transport is the primary function of the helicopter, and movement of equipment and supplies is secondary.

The CH-46 has a maximum combat capacity of 14 troops and two aerial gunners.




Sempers,

Roger

Prayers to the family