Features Procedures Safety & Training
Helicopter crash happened in blinding Afghan dust

July 8, 2009, Kandahar, Afghanistan –  A helicopter crash in Afghanistan that
killed three soldiers happened when the aircraft clipped a security
wall.

The Canadian Press has learned that the crash that killed two
Canadians and one Briton occurred in blinding dust conditions.

Sources say two Griffon helicopters were leaving a remote base in
Zabul province, and one had just taken off.

They say the second chopper, blinded by dust in windy conditions,
was trying to manoeuvre out of the remote base when it hit the
barrier.

The helicopter crashed and burst into flames on Monday.

Master Cpl. Pat Audet of Montreal and Cpl. Martin Joannette, from
St-Calixte, Que., were killed along with British Capt. Ben
Babington-Browne.

The two Canadians are due to be repatriated on Thursday.