Chinook sustains damage during flying mission in Afghanistan

An Australian Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter was damaged in a hard landing during combat support operations in Kandahar province, yesterday, Friday 22 June, 2012.

The incident occurred at a Coalition force patrol base in Kandahar province.

Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General Stuart Smith said an aircrewman received a minor injury.

“One of the aircrew was injured and has been treated on site,” he said.

“All other personnel onboard underwent precautionary health checks following the incident.”

The aircrewman has informed his next of kin and will return to duty in the coming days.

Major General Smith said a damage assessment and recovery team went to the site of the hard landing.

“The teams have secured the Chinook in its location and an investigation into the hard landing is underway.

“Extent of the damage to the aircraft is being assessed.

“The Chinook will be moved to Kandahar Airfield by the safest and most economical means.”

The aircraft was conducting a combat support mission, transporting personnel and equipment to various locations within Southern Afghanistan.

It does not appear that the hard landing was caused by enemy fire.

Media Contact:  Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999