The Dutch Defense helicopter that crashed near Aruba on Sunday afternoon around 14:30 p.m. was on its way back to Curaçao after a border patrol flight over the sea.
A defense spokesperson confirmed this last Monday. Two of the four crew members died in the crash of the NH-90 helicopter, pilot Christine Martens (34) and tactical coordinator Erwin Warnies (33). Both were second class lieutenants.
The other two crew members, a sensor operator who works with the radar and sonar system, and a professional diver who assists with rescue missions at sea, suffered only minor injuries and were able to be rescued.
The Groningen ship, a Coast Guard helicopter and Curacao-based divers were directed to the crash site to retrieve the aircraft's black box.
The Dutch Defense Safety Inspectorate is responsible for the investigation which will determine the circumstances of the accident. The Dutch army's fleet of 20 NH90 helicopters has been grounded since this tragic incident.
7,312 total views
No comments