One dead in BLACKHAWK crash, page 1

One dead in Black Hawk sea crash
November 29, 2006 07:36pm

ONE Australian soldier was killed and another is missing after a Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the sea while attempting to land aboard the HMAS Kanimbla off Fiji today.

The victim was pulled alive from the water after the helicopter went down but died as he was being treated for his injuries aboard the Kanimbla.

A search and rescue operation is underway for the missing soldier. Seven other soldiers, some SAS troops, have been injured.

A total of 10 personnel - including six SAS troops - were on the aircraft which crashed into deep water and is unlikely to be recovered.

Kanimbla and two other Australian warships were despatched earlier this month to stand by off Fiji to rescue Australian nationals in event of a coup by the Fijian military.

Over the last decade, Australia has lost many more service personnel in helicopter accidents than from any other cause.

In the tragedy on Nias Island, Indonesia, in April 2005, nine died when a navy Sea King helicopter crashed as it came in to land.

In June 1996, 18 servicemen, including 15 members of the crack Special Air Service regiment, died when two helicopters collided during a training exercise near Townsville in Queensland.

It was reported it slammed into the back of HMAS Kanimbla

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