An investigation of the April 6 CH-47D helicopter crash near Ghazni that killed 18 is complete and the results have been provided to family members of the deceased.

The U.S. Army’s Collateral Investigation Board reviewed events leading up to the crash of the helicopter known as “Big Windy 25.” The investigation found that the aircraft encountered a severe dust storm with winds over 45 knots that caused the pilots to lose outside visibility. They were transitioning to instrument flight procedures when they became spatially disoriented and over-controlled the aircraft.

The five Army crewmembers and the passengers – six Army Soldiers, one Marine, two Army National Guard Soldiers, one Army Reserve Soldier, and three civilian contractors with KBR – were fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

The helicopter, which belonged to F Company, 159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, was transporting passengers and supplies from Forward Operations Base Orgun-E Kalan to Forward Operations Base Sarhawdza in Ghazni province.

“We mourn the loss of this crew and its passengers and will never forget their selfless service and sacrifice,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jason K. Kamiya, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-76.

“We have already implemented or are in the process of implementing the recommendations of the investigation team to preclude tragedies such as this from occurring in the future.”

FMI: www.cfc-a.centcom.mil