Blackwater Helo Crash

[afchic]

Just saw this cross the wire and thought a few here might be interested.

Authorities: Copter crashes at Blackwater
Few details from security firm formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide
The Associated Press
updated 2:21 p.m. CT, Tues., Feb. 24, 2009
MOYOCK, N.C. - Authorities in northeastern North Carolina said a helicopter has crashed on the campus of private security contractor Xe.

Currituck County Sheriff Susan Johnson said the crash occurred near the company's administrative building Tuesday afternoon. She did not know any other details about the incident.

Xe is the security and training company formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide. A company spokeswoman did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Xe's campus is in Moyock, a tiny community about 30 minutes south of Norfolk, Va.

[Pete]

Hate to see any helo crash with Americans on it.

[Red Flag 1]

30 minutes south of Norfolk is pretty much in the Great Dismal Swamp, me thinks.


RF 1

[The Reaper]

30 minutes south of Norfolk is pretty much in the Great Dismal Swamp, me thinks.


RF 1

It is a swampy area, just a mile or two to the southeast of Moyock. It is a large tract of land in both Currituck and the adjoining county.

The owner has many aircraft there, and a passion for flying.

TR

[Ret10Echo]

Authorities: 1 killed in NC helicopter crash at Xe
Authorities say an instructor pilot was killed and a student was seriously injured in a helicopter crash on the North Carolina campus of the private security contractor Xe (Zee).

The Federal Aviation Administration initially reported that one person was hurt in the Tuesday afternoon crash. But Camden County Sheriff Tony Perry confirmed the pilot had died.

Currituck County spokesman Randall Edwards says the injured person was taken to a hospital.

Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen says the small helicopter crashed when its skid caught on an object and flipped over.

A Xe spokeswoman says this is the first serious injury in the 11-year history of the company's training facility, located about 30 minutes south of Norfolk, Va.

Xe is the security company formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide.

[Ambush Master]

Never forget:

Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect.

— Captain A. G. Lamplugh