By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer
The two Army Black Hawk helicopters involved in Monday’s crash that killed six soldiers were apparently landing during a training mission when the accident occurred, according to Army officials.
Army Brig. Gen. William Caldwell said today the helicopters were two of four Black Hawks in the air when the 7:40 p.m. accident occurred at about 100 feet in the air. The Army said it is still unclear whether a mid-air collision took place.
It is normal for helicopters to come in at a low altitude during an air assault to avoid enemy fire and increase the element of surprise, Caldwell said.
Army officials said it could be three weeks before the investigation is completed. Officials from the U.S. Army Safety Center arrived last night from Fort Rucker, Ala., to lead the investigation.
Army 25th Infantry Division public affairs officer Maj. Nancy Makowski said the two helicopters were part of four landing artillery personnel and equipment supporting an air assault training mission.
Three Army medivac helicopters were already on the scene as part of the training mission at the time of the accident, Makowski said.
The choppers transported many of the injured to area hospitals.
A memorial service will be held for the six victims on Friday at Schofield Barracks. Crisis counselors and chaplains are being assigned to the families of the victims.
Correction: A previous version of this story erroneously indicted it would be three months before a preliminary report on the investigation would be completed.
