3 Die as National Guard Black Hawk Crashes in a Field in New York

A New York Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter crashed in a rural area south of Rochester city, New York State, on Wednesday evening leaving three crew members dead.

The UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter was on a routine training mission when the incident occurred.

The National Guard said in a statement that the helicopter was part of the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport, and was assigned to C Company of the First Battalion, 171st General Support Aviation Battalion.

“I am devastated by the news of a New York National Guard helicopter crash in the Town of Mendon that killed three of New York’s bravest during a training mission,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said in a statement.

Eyewitnesses claimed they saw the helicopter flying very low and heard sounds of a sputtering engine.