U.S. Navy’s MH-60S Helicopter Makes Hard Landing

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter made a crash landing in coastal Virginia on Wednesday.

“We can confirm that a Navy MH-60S helicopter experienced a hard landing in a field in the vicinity of Smithfield, Va.,” Naval Air Force Atlantic spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Robert Myers said in a statement.

“Initial information indicates that first responders are on scene and that three personnel are being assessed for non-life-threatening injuries,” Myers added. He said the accident is under investigation

The incident took place shortly before 11:30 a.m. on January 12.

Virginia State Police said the aircraft hit several trees on the way down.

The MH-60S was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, based out of Naval Station Norfolk, roughly 30 miles southeast of Smithfield.

In September 2021, five sailors were killed after the Navy’s MH-60S crashed. In a statement, the Pacific Fleet said the helicopter took off from the USS Abraham Lincoln and crashed into the ocean while conducting routine flight operations approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of San Diego.

Also read: U.S. Navy MH-60S Helicopter Crashes into Ocean, 5 Crew Missing, 1 Rescued

The MH-60S helicopter typically carries a crew of about four and is used in missions including combat support, humanitarian disaster relief and search and rescue.