Helicopter crashes on Texas A&M University campus
source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6207179.html
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- edbr
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One person was killed when an Army ROTC helicopter crashed at 3 p.m. Monday on the Texas A&M University campus in an open field next to the dining hall used by the school’s Corps of Cadets, university reports said.
Five others on board — none of them students — were injured. There was no immediate word on their medical conditions.
The Blackhawk helicopter was reportedly taking off when it fell abruptly back to the ground, university officials said. The aircraft’s rudder apparently failed as the helicopter took flight.
Late Monday afternoon, debris from the crash still covered much of Duncan Field next to Duncan Dining Hall, where the school’s Corps of Cadets eats meals. Debris also covered several streets on the university’s campus, causing those roads to be closed.
Those on board when the Army UH-60 Blackhawk plummeted to the ground included four members of the Army National Guard and a member of Texas A&M’s ROTC staff who had recently graduated from the university.
All of the injured have been rushed to St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan and the College Station Medical Center.
Officials did not release the names of the dead and injured.
Students are currently on winter break, with classes set to resume on Jan. 20.
The helicopter, along with 190 cadets in the university’s Corps, were taking part in the ROTC Winter Field Training Exercises when the crash occurred.
Bart Humphreys, a spokesman for the College Station Fire Department, said the investigation into the crash was just beginning.
Witnesses told the Bryan-College Station Eagle they saw five Blackhawk helicopters taking off and landing throughout the day.
Scott Walker told the newspaper that he saw two helicopters lift off around 3:05 p.m. The first one took off without trouble, but the second seemed to lose control and started spinning, Walker said.
"All of a sudden he dropped straight back down into the ground," Walker told the newspaper.
Five others on board — none of them students — were injured. There was no immediate word on their medical conditions.
The Blackhawk helicopter was reportedly taking off when it fell abruptly back to the ground, university officials said. The aircraft’s rudder apparently failed as the helicopter took flight.
Late Monday afternoon, debris from the crash still covered much of Duncan Field next to Duncan Dining Hall, where the school’s Corps of Cadets eats meals. Debris also covered several streets on the university’s campus, causing those roads to be closed.
Those on board when the Army UH-60 Blackhawk plummeted to the ground included four members of the Army National Guard and a member of Texas A&M’s ROTC staff who had recently graduated from the university.
All of the injured have been rushed to St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan and the College Station Medical Center.
Officials did not release the names of the dead and injured.
Students are currently on winter break, with classes set to resume on Jan. 20.
The helicopter, along with 190 cadets in the university’s Corps, were taking part in the ROTC Winter Field Training Exercises when the crash occurred.
Bart Humphreys, a spokesman for the College Station Fire Department, said the investigation into the crash was just beginning.
Witnesses told the Bryan-College Station Eagle they saw five Blackhawk helicopters taking off and landing throughout the day.
Scott Walker told the newspaper that he saw two helicopters lift off around 3:05 p.m. The first one took off without trouble, but the second seemed to lose control and started spinning, Walker said.
"All of a sudden he dropped straight back down into the ground," Walker told the newspaper.
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edbr
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the pilots of these blackhawks are usually some of the most trained, most experienced pilots in the world. it is always saddening to see the loss of life of such talented individuals, and let this remind us of the oh-so-delicate line which separates our lives from death.
may those affected by this find peace in the fact that they have contributed greatly to our country with their service.
my condolences to those involved and their families.
- 3 years ago
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edbr
