RELEASE NUMBER: 140612-01
DATE POSTED: JUNE 12, 2014
PRESS RELEASE: Hunter crash ruled an accident
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Public Affairs
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. (USASOC News Service, June 12, 2014) - The incident involving a Special Operations MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at Hunter Army Air Field, Ga., January 15, 2014, has been ruled an accident by an Army investigation team from Fort Campbell, Ky.
Maj. Clayton O. Carpenter was killed during a hard landing upon final approach following a routine training flight.
The investigation concluded that the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure causing the tail rotor to become inoperable, sending the aircraft into an unrecoverable spin prior to impact.
Carpenter, 30, a native of N.Y., and a 2005 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, served as a Special Operations Helicopter Platoon Leader. He is survived by his parents.
For additional information please contact the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Public Affairs Officer at 270-418-8108 / 931-216-3436.