INCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM SURVEYS CRASH SITE

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM SURVEYS CRASH SITE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – An investigation team surveyed the MI-8 helicopter crash site north of Baghdad this morning. The team, led by COL Paul Bricker, Multi-National Corps - Iraq operations, is comprised of members from Multi-National Force - Iraq and Iraqi interpreters. Personnel from Sky Link and Blackwater have also been invited to participate in the investigation.

The helicopter crashed yesterday morning en route to Tikrit. Three Bulgarian crewmembers, six American Blackwater Security Consulting employees and two Fijian security guards were killed in the crash.

The scene around the crash site has been secured. The remains have been transported to Balad AB. And an Aircraft Recovery Team from 3ID will move the wreckage to Baghdad International Airport for further inspection.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

More information will be available once the investigation is complete.

-30- SOURCE: United States Central Command HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 April 22, 2005 Release Number: 05-04-16 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE