Hurlburt helicopter crashes overnight , two injured
Two airmen sustained minor injuries Friday when a 20th Special Operations Squadron helicopter made a hard landing near Duke Field south of Crestview, according to a 1st Special Operations Wing statement.
MH-53 aerial gunner Airman 1st Class Bradley Jordan was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Col. William Nelson from Air Force Special Operations Command Surgeon General’s office was taken to Baptist Hospital, also in Pensacola.
They were listed in good condition. The five others aboard the Pave Low were unhurt.
The Pave Low crash happened around 11:45 p.m. during what was characterized as a routine training mission. A fire was put out by Eglin Air Force Base firefighters.
The 1st SOW statement described the mishap as a hard landing, which means the helicopter sustained structural damage. It’s unclear if the machine is salvageable.
“Thankfully,” said 1st SOW commander Col. Marshall B. Webb, “The training preparedness of the airmen enabled everyone to walk away from what could have been a catastrophic accident.
At least one crash investigation board will convene to determine what caused the mishap.