An AH-64 crashed north of Baghdad today, killing both pilots on board. At least one witness saw a missle heading toward the chopper prior to it
going down:
Local people said they saw two helicopters circling before one crashed out of the sky just north of Baghdad.
"I saw a missile hit one of the helicopters and black smoke come from it before it went down," said one man, who gave his name as Abu Mustafa.
The U.S. statement did not say what had caused the crash.
Fox News, long known for their accuracy in reporting, is also reporting that the helicopter was
shot down:
U.S. military witnesses told FOX News that the AH-64 apache helicopter may have been shot down.
---
The helicopter went down in Mishahda, 20 miles north of the capital. The helicopter was in flames on the ground. Heavy gunfire was heard at the time of the crash, and white smoke billowed from the helicopter before it burst into flames and slammed into the ground. Gunfire was also heard after the crash.
No official word from DoD yet as to cause.
Apaches are not easy to take down:
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces. The Apache is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. The principal mission of the Apache is the destruction of high-value targets with the HELLFIRE missile. It is also capable of employing a 30MM M230 chain gun and Hydra 70 (2.75 inch) rockets that are lethal against a wide variety of targets. The Apache has a full range of aircraft survivability equipment and has the ability to withstand hits from rounds up to 23MM in critical areas.
You don't want to be on the wrong side of this hog, unless you are in your "last throes."
