US Navy Helicopter Crashes Off Virginia

The US military sees its second helicopter crash in as many days following the crash that killed four in England.

A search and rescue effort is under way off the coast of Virginia for a downed MH-53E helicopter, the US Navy has said.

The US Coast Guard says five were aboard when the helicopter crashed about 18 miles east of Virginia Beach.

Petty Officer David Weydert said the helicopter was reported down about 11am local time.

He said there was no immediate word on any casualties.

Two Coast Guard vessels have responded to the crash site.

The crash is the second US military helicopter accident in as many days.

Four crew members were killed when their Pave Hawk helicopter crashed inY Norfolk, England, during a training mission on Tuesday.

The helicopter was taking part in a low-flying exercise when it came down in Cley Next the Sea.

 UPDATE 

One person has died among four rescued after a US Navy helicopter crashed off the coast of Virginia.

One crew member remained missing on Wednesday after an MH-53E was forced to perform an emergency landing in the Atlantic about 20 miles east of Virginia Beach.

Another crew member – one of four pulled from the frigid waters after the crash – died hours later, the Navy said.

The conditions of the other three rescued personnel were not immediately known.

The US Coast Guard sent two vessels to aid in the search and rescue operation for the fifth crew member.

The Navy said the helicopter was conducting a routine training mission when it went down.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

The crash is the second US military helicopter accident in as many days.

NEW UPDATE 

They are among four who were rescued from the cold waters – but lost their lives in hospital several hours later.

A fifth crew member remains missing after an MH-53E Sea Dragon was forced to carry out an emergency landing about 20 miles east of Virginia Beach.

 

Tags: Crashed, kills four people, Navy Helicopter, US, Virgina, world