Missing British Aircraft Believed Accidentally Shot Down by US Patriot Missle [DEBKA]

DEBKAfile Security Newsletter ^ | March 23, 2003 | Economist Magazine Reporter Gioria Shamis

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Britain has lost 14 men in two helicopter aircrashes since Thursday.

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This occurred Sunday morning according to the report.

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I heard Rummy confirmed it at the briefing, anyone know for sure?

[CyberAnt]

This was not an ACCIDENT. The guy didn't have his identifier on so the Patriot assumed he was hostile. It was a BIG MISTAKE on the part of the pilot. Those things happen. UK has already acknowledged this was the case.

[may18]

No they havent confirmed that sorry

The location and time when this happened was the same as the attack by an american soldier on the 101 airborne

when soldiers were jittery.

That theory on ff was put forward as possible.

In 1991 when an a10 bombed a british warrior apc the pilot was initially to be tried. He never was

Im not saying this DIDNT happen. But its a mistake to assume things.

[DoctorMichael]

The guy didn't have his identifier on so the Patriot assumed he was hostile. It was a BIG MISTAKE on the part of the pilot.

Echoes my first thoughts on all of this. There are modules are on all of the aircraft so the military can keep track of its assets on the battlefield. If a module goes out, they are for all purposes, 'incoming'.

Prayers for all the brave men who willingly go into an inherently dangerous situation.

[CyberAnt]

I saw this on FOX - they said they had a confirmation from the British that their plane was taken down by a patriot missle because he did not have his identifier on - I'm just telling you what FOX said.

Since FOX has been quite willing to wait until they have all the facts before reporting stuff - I believe this was a confirmed story - not speculation - so I'm not "assuming" anything.

[CFC__VRWC]

I heard Rummy confirmed it at the briefing, anyone know for sure?

I heard a radio report (ABC News) on this a little over an hour ago. They mentioned the British plane being hit by a Patriot missile, but didn't say anything about the pilot not having his IFF transponder on.

One thing I haven't heard is what happened to the pilot - was he able to eject? Since I've heard nothing I'm assuming the worst. :(