US: 3 National Guard members dead in helicopter crash

ANKARA

Three Idaho Army National Guard personnel were killed after their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed south of Lucky Peak near Boise, officials said Wednesday.

All three personnel aboard were pilots participating in a routine training flight when the incident occurred Tuesday night, the Idaho National Guard said in a Facebook statement.

"This is a tremendous loss to the Idaho National Guard and our community," said Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general of Idaho and commander of the Idaho National Guard. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones as we work through this tragedy."

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was last contacted at 7.45 p.m. MST (0245GMT), with an Emergency Transmitter Locator device aboard the aircraft was activated just after 8 p.m.

The aircraft and personnel were located at 12.15 a.m., according to the statement.

An investigation is taking place while the cause of the accident remains unknown. Identities of the deceased are currently being withheld until after next of kin have been notified.