US Pavehawk Incident - Norfolk

[Nikon]

But looking at the wreckage - this doesn't appear to be a 'normal' crash as the debris field is large and the pieces of helicopter are so small.

Very soft terrain, so in relatively high speed impact, (which it appears), the majority of individual heavy parts would bury I suspect.

Very sad.

[The Phantom]

Yes also saw it on the luchtime news and was shocked by the amount of debris; and that there was no recognisable structure left.
A sad time for all those at RAF Lakenheath

[crashman]

I think they must have removed some of the wreckage or its out of shot. i think the BBC may have been told not to film it, as its reported as still containing the crew, and that they have moved some wreckage away from the sea.

[Tooks]

The aerial footage I've seen seems to pretty much cover the whole crash site and beyond, so I'm convinced what you see is everything there is. I don't think they'd have had time or the means to remove anything from the scene yet.

Looks like whatever happened, it was carrying a lot of energy into the impact, as there is little of any size left of what is a pretty tough airframe.

My condolences to all involved...

[Thunder]

I think they must have removed some of the wreckage or its out of shot. i think the BBC may have been told not to film it, as its reported as still containing the crew, and that they have moved some wreckage away from the sea.

You would expect and hope that to be the case, but the overhead film does cover a large area and I would surprised if there's any wreckage out of shot. The Dark Grey of the helicopter makes it hard to see anything against the ground. Also the ground there looks to be very soft so you would expect it to offer some sort of cushion on the initial impact then again in could be so soft that it would be like a hot knife through butter.

Either way such a tragic event and thoughts to all the men and women of the 56RQS and 48FW

RIP

[Tiger Tim]

May the skies be clear and blue and the wind fair with a guiding star to steer by.

RIP lads your job is done

[Zymurgy661]

All,

Can we please ask that references or links to crew members involved in this tragedy are not posted on the forum at this time. The USAF forces at Lakenheath have been clear in their message that names will be released officially 24 hours after the next of kin has been informed.

We appreciate that some names have been circulating around numerous outlets already but until these are confirmed by an official source (USAF or similar) we ask for restraint in posting that information on here just incase it is not correct.

Many thanks for your understanding on this, any questions then please send me or one of the team a PM

[catkins]

These guys are rare in the north, so having had the pleasure of watching and photographing some of these guys on deployment training Ex. into Spadeadam in November, my and many of our northern low level photo enthusiasts thoughts will be with the family and colleagues of those who have lost their lives.
RIP - may your angels hover around you and carry you to a better place

[wave scanner]

Very sad news.

[Blackcat1]

Lovely picture Catkins.

God bless them all.

[nick197]

My Mum and I have spent many many happy hours at LN watching the Pave hawks, Both of Our thoughts are with the familys and the crew of the 56RQS and 48thFW during these very sad times.

UH60 after the storm by Nick Collins R.S. Photography, on Flickr
RIP guys

[TS010]

Names of the aircrew now released on Lakenheath facebook page: -

https://www.facebook.com/RAFLakenheath

[dukesdave]

Very sad news R.I.P. lads my thoughts are with all the families involved.

[BOLLO]

All,

Can we please ask that references or links to crew members involved in this tragedy are not posted on the forum at this time. The USAF forces at Lakenheath have been clear in their message that names will be released officially 24 hours after the next of kin has been informed.

We appreciate that some names have been circulating around numerous outlets already but until these are confirmed by an official source (USAF or similar) we ask for restraint in posting that information on here just incase it is not correct.

Many thanks for your understanding on this, any questions then please send me or one of the team a PM

Lakenheath have released the names of the crew in the last hour

[Zymurgy661]

Indeed they have. That post was prior to the official release.

As per the Lakenheath statement -

Capt. Christopher S. Stover, Capt. Sean M. Ruane, Tech. Sgt. Dale E. Mathews, and SSgt Afton M. Ponce were the HH-60G aircrew members killed in a crash on the Norfolk coast Tuesday evening.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter carries a four-person aircrew – a pilot, co-pilot, and two special mission aviators who are qualified as both gunners and flight engineers. On this particular mission, Stover and Ruane were the pilots, and Mathews and Ponce were the special mission aviators.

“We continue to think of the loved ones who are experiencing such a tragic, sudden loss,” said Col. Kyle Robinson, 48th Fighter Wing commander. “The Liberty Wing feels as though it has lost members of its family, and we stand by to support one another and these Airmen’s families during this difficult time.”

The accident is currently under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.

We truly appreciate all the community support we've been receiving - your thoughts and prayers mean a lot.

[ranger703]

I cannot believe what I heard a short time ago on BBC News24!! Paul Beaver on discussing the incident stated he was surprised as to how intact and structurally sound the crashed helicopter appeared to be!! I am amazed that someone of his supposed stature was not aware that there was another helicopter that landed shortly after the crash and it is this helicopter that is on the sand dunes!

[Dunk]

I cannot believe what I heard a short time ago on BBC News24!! Paul Beaver on discussing the incident stated he was surprised as to how intact and structurally sound the crashed helicopter appeared to be!! I am amazed that someone of his supposed stature was not aware that there was another helicopter that landed shortly after the crash and it is this helicopter that is on the sand dunes!

There have been a number of BBC journalists who have stated the same thing, it really beggars belief.

[Nighthawke]

Not wishing to "spoil" the tone of this thread as I am as concerned and touched by what has happened as others but I have to agree with the comments concerning reporting. If there are media people reading this then maybe some might take note. All too often the same lines of reporting are used showing apparent lack of knowledge and digging for a story. I know they have a job to do but to me it often appears to lack respect for the victims and those left behind. Maybe a little more thought for those watching/listening/reading might not go amiss.

On a final note to all members, don't forget the many who are dealing with the aftermath in the area - a nightmarish task as always with any incident where lives are lost or changed forever.

Sincere thoughts to all concerned or affected

[tim_raper]

I am amazed that someone of his supposed stature ......

Not wanting to descend into a slanging match too much against the profession(I use the term lightly), you mistakenly put a journo on a bit of a pedestal there. They are all the same.

[Jaymer15]

Still can't believe that there is so little of the helicopter left. A truly sad scene. As well as thoughts for the family and friends of the aircrew lost but also for the rescue teams doing a difficult job at this time.