HH-60 ACCIDENT REPORT RELEASED Published July 3, 2003 LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Air Force investigators were unable to determine the primary cause of the crash of an HH-60G March 23 at a forward operating location in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.According to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released today, investigators found substantial evidence that three factors contributed to the accident. First, the refueling tanker was flying 150 feet below the required altitude of 500 feet. Second, limited light reduced the effectiveness of night vision goggles, which led to spatial disorientation and loss of situational awareness. Third, the terrain's high altitude, 9,000 feet above sea level, combined with the 30-degree bank during the refueling aircraft's climbing turn, made it difficult to maintain the helicopter in the refueling position.The crew of six airmen from the 41st and 38th Rescue squadrons, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., died as a result of the crash. The aircraft, valued at more than $21 million, was destroyed. The crew was en route to support a medical evacuation mission when the incident occurred.For more information, contact the ACC Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail acc.pam@langley.af.mil.