Around 1pm on Thursday March 26th, 2009, a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter from the Alaska Army National Guard crashed in dense forest on Monarch pass. The two pilots and a crew chief were all able to self-rescue by wading downhill through deep snow to U. S. Highway 50.
The cause of the crash is unknown, and will be investigated by a team of army specialists from Ft. Rucker, Alabama.
The crash site is near the Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area in a dense stand of evergreens. As the helicopter descended, the rotors gave a haircut to a wide swath of trees and resulted in the rotor blades being completely destroyed.
The $6-10 million dollar Blackhawk suffered a major break in the fuselage in addition to the rotor damage and appears to be a total loss except for the cockpit and cargo compartment. Removal of the helicopter carcass will almost certainly require another, larger helicopter to lift it out and away.
The Blackhawk is primarily a transport helicopter, but can be fitted with a variety of armaments, depending on the mission. No armaments, missiles or guns were evident at the crash site.
Black Hawk helicopter crash on Monarch Pass, Colorado.
While the helicopter clearly had a rough landing, the cockpit and cargo area appear undamaged.
Who knew that military helicopters had windshield wipers?
As the helicopter descended, it sheared the tops off of several trees, completely shreading the four rotor blades.
Got to love the Hawk.
Glad my fellow Aviators made it. Good luck and see you at home soon.
Wow. Thanks for the photos
I want to see the beast that retrieves the wreckage!
Sikorsky CH-54 anyone?
CH47, I bet…..or a lowboy
Great Photos Mark. Its good to hear that no one was seriously injured.
Looks like a great training opportunity for the UMARK system and a CH-47.
Anyone up for some heli skiing?
All I can say… wow.
Thanks to all the people that helped us (CO National Guard). You were all great.
Cheers
This helicopter was not a total loss. It has been fully repaired and is flying again.