Posted on 02/03/2021 9:18:17 AM PST by Red Badger
The pilots were on a routine training flight when their Black Hawk helicopter went down near Lucky Peak.
BOISE, Idaho — Three pilots with the Idaho Army National Guard were killed Tuesday night when their helicopter went down near Boise.
The UH-60 Black Hawk crashed south of Lucky Peak just after 8 p.m. Tuesday. The three guard members were participating in a routine training flight, officials say.
“This is a tremendous loss to the Idaho National Guard and our community,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general of Idaho and commander of the Idaho National Guard. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones as we work through this tragedy.”
The names of the pilots killed have not yet been released.
Col. Christopher Burt, the Idaho Army National Guard’s state aviation officer says the aircraft was last contacted at 7:45 p.m. An Emergency Transmitter Locator device aboard the aircraft was activated just after 8 p.m.
Burt's team immediately launched air and ground search and rescue crews and initiated emergency aircraft recovery procedures. The wrecked helicopter was found in a remote area at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday morning.
It is unclear what caused the Black Hawk to crash. The Idaho Army National Guard says an investigation will be held into what went wrong.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little ordered flags flown at half staff in honor of the three pilots starting Wednesday. Flags will remain lowered until after the final guard member's memorial service, he said.
"Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of three brave and talented pilots killed during service to our state and nation. Their tragic deaths leave an emptiness in the lives of their families and loved ones, the entire National Guard community, and all of us," Little said. "Our women and men in the Idaho National Guard bravely take on the inherent dangers of their work to serve the people of Idaho and the United States whenever called upon. As Idahoans, let's quiet ourselves and reflect on their courage and sacrifice. Please join me in prayer for the heroes we lost and seek to comfort all the lives they touched.”
A press conference to release more information about the crash is scheduled for 11 a.m. The press conference will be live-streamed in this story.
Several members of Idaho's congressional delegation took to social media to express sorrow at the deaths of the pilots.
I’m shocked & saddened to learn of the deaths of 3 helicopter pilots w/ the @IDNationalGuard in a training exercise last night. Mine & Vicki’s prayers are w/ their families & all ID National Guardsmen during this painful time & thank them for their service to Idaho & the nation. https://t.co/OBP4JnlkJj
— Jim Risch (@SenatorRisch) February 3, 2021 Kathy and I are praying for the families and friends of the three Idaho National Guard soldiers who were killed during a training flight last night. Our citizen-soldiers embody a spirit of service and the best of American patriotism, and this loss is felt deeply throughout Idaho. https://t.co/IvQvboxtrr
— Cong. Mike Simpson (@CongMikeSimpson) February 3, 2021 I am saddened to learn about the passing of three brave pilots of the @IDNationalGuard last night during an exercise training. My condolences are with the family and friends of our heroic Idaho National Guardsmen. https://t.co/qTkjuYZbvT
— Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) February 3, 2021 KTVB is working to gather more information, check back for details.
Prayers now...
It is unclear what caused the Black Hawk to crash>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Blade icing?
Bad cold weather maintenance ?
May Divine Providence bless them and their families for their service.
We used to call them “crashhawks” for a reason.
When the Blackhawk first came into the Army inventory it had the name “Crashhawk”
Black Hawk helicopter went down near Lucky Peak......
...nevermind.
RIP
It was almost 60 degrees in Boise yesterday, so I don’t think cold weather was the issue.
May they rest in the peace of Christ.
60 degrees! Sheesh!
Must have been a rogue wind or something , maybe a down draft. High temps in the winter often bring really weird wind conditions.
Without reading the article or watching the interview on YouTube (my data minutes are dwindling), I’d guess the helo flew into high terrain. Evidently there was no mayday communication? RIP
We had 60°F+ in SE WA as well. Not that unusual with SW airflows but it doesn’t last long. Back to high 40s today.
Yes, very sad moment, RIP and prayers for the crew and families.
It has been windy, and the area where they were flying is in the foothills.
I have been on a light chopper with 60 mph winds gusting to over 70.
Its impossible to hold a hover even facing into the wind.
It was the only time I ever got air sick after 5 unsuccessful passes at landing. We got within 5 feet altitude of the pad, but ould not set down.
Wind really can effect a chopper, especially a down draft burst.
I wish it had not happened to these great men who were risking their lives in their service to us.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.