Boeing MH-47G Chinook Crashes in Georgia

 

 

             Four aviators from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) died and one was injured when their helicopter crashed in Colquitt County, near Doerun, Georgia, around 8 a.m. on 1 June 2006.

             The accident occurred in the early morning about five miles north-north east of the town of Doerun, Georgia. Various news reports that the helicopter hit the TV tower located near State Highway 270 have yet to be confirmed by military accident investigators. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

             The 3rd Battalion, 160th SOAR (A) crew was flying a routine training mission from their home station at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, to Fort Rucker, Alabama, when their Army MH-47G Chinook helicopter crashed. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

             Killed were Sgt. Christopher M. Erberich, Sgt. Michael D. Hall, Sgt. Rhonald E. Meeks and Chief Warrant Officer Four Michael L. Wright. All had served multiple tours in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom. All but Sgt. Meeks had deployed in support of both Operations.

             The fifth Soldier was taken to a local medical facility in the Doerun area where he was treated and released. His name is being withheld to respect his privacy.

             A memorial service for families, friends and fellow Soldiers is scheduled for Tuesday, 6 June, at 2 p.m. in the Hunter Army Airfield ADACG Building.

             MH-47G Chinook helicopter 03-03729, was the first G model airframe lost. Total time since new was 5,316.1 hours. Total time since remanufacture was 18.9 hours.

 

 

          Related Sites

 

          Tail Number History

 

 

          The CH-47 - 40 years old and still circling the world.

         

          Comments or Questions ? Email the Webmaster. Email the Webmaster.