THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 1995 TAG: 9510040600
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
A Navy helicopter operating from the helicopter amphibious assault ship Guam crashed 40 to 60 miles off the coast of Cape Henry on Tuesday night during a routine training exercise, a spokesman for the Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet reported.
The four crew members aboard the helicopter were missing, said the Navy spokesman, Cmdr. Kevin Wensing.
Their names were not released.
Wensing said the H-46 ``Sea Knight'' helicopter was reported missing about 9:10 p.m.
The dual-engine aircraft, which can carry about 12 crew members, was based at Norfolk Naval Air Station.
The Guam immediately launched a search and rescue effort, with assistance from the replenishment oiler Kalamazoo, Wensing said.
They were also joined by Coast Guard units, including a cutter and a helicopter from Elizabeth City.
Wensing said the search was to continue throughout the night.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
KEYWORDS: ACCIDENT MILTARY ACCIDENT PLANE by CNB