09 July 2014
HH-60G Pave Hawk - Geese caused fatal USAF helicopter crash in Cley, report says
Investigators have found "clear" evidence that "bird strikes" caused a helicopter crash which killed four people. They were in an HH-60G Pave Hawk, which was part of 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. The helicopter was flying 110ft (33m) above ground level at a speed of about 110 knots (126mph) just before the crash. The Accident Investigation Branch says the geese strikes "rendered" both the pilot and co-pilot unconscious. 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." The full report is here.
