U.S. Military Helicopter Down in Iraq

Feb. 7, 2007— -- A US Marine Public Affairs Officer says a Marine CH 46 Sea Knight helicopter went down North of Baghdad. The helicopter was coming from Balad. The incident is still under investigation. The military did not specify how many people were on board or if there are any casualties or survivors. A CH 46 has a standard 4 person crew.

Specs for a Sea Knight:

Crew:

Normal: 4 - pilot, copilot, crew chief, and 1st mechanicCombat: 5 - pilot, copilot, crew chief, and 2 aerial gunners

Payload: Combat: maximum of 14 troops with aerial gunnersMedical evacuation: 15 litters and 2 attendantsCargo: maximum of 4,000 pound (2270 kilograms) external load