CENTCOM NEWS RELEASES

November 15, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT) BLACKHAWK HELICOPTERS CRASH IN WEST MOSUL
MOSUL, Iraq (15 November, 2003) - Two UH – 60 Blackhawk helicopters assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) crashed in West Mosul at approximately 6:30 p.m. today.

The status of the crewmembers and passengers is unknown at this time.

The crash sites are currently secured by soldiers from the 101st, Iraqi police and Iraqi firefighters.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.


November 15, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

17 KILLED, 5 WOUNDED, AND 1 UNACCOUNTED FOR IN BLACK HAWK CRASHES IN MOSUL

MOSUL, Iraq (15 November, 2003) - Two UH – 60 Black hawk helicopters assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) crashed in West Mosul at approximately 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

17 soldiers died in the crash, 5 were wounded, and 1 is unaccounted for. The wounded have been evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital at the Mosul Airfield.

One aircraft was carrying an aerial quick reaction force; the other was carrying soldiers on a transport mission within the Northern Iraq area of operations at the time of the crashes. The aircraft impacted approximately 250 meters from each other in a residential neighborhood.

The pilots of both aircraft were qualified in limited-visibility flight operations with Night Vision Goggles.

Soldiers from the 101st have secured the crash sites; Iraqi police and Iraqi firefighters are also on the scene.

The leaders and soldiers of the 101st extend deepest sympathies and condolences to the family members and friends of the dead and injured.

The 101st remains committed to accomplishing its mission of maintaining a safe and secure environment in Northern Iraq so that reconstruction and establishment of governmental institutions can go forward. The quick, joint response by 101st and Iraqi emergency units is a tribute to US-Iraqi teamwork and the progress achieved in the region.

The cause of the incident is under investigation. Names of the deceased will be released once next-of-kin notification is complete.