Update:

A Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk crashed killing Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy L. Billings, 34, of Heavener, Okla.; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua B. Silverman, 35, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Sgt. Peter C. Bohler, 29, of Willow Spring, N.C.; Sgt. 1st Class Omar W. Forde, 28, of Marietta, Ga.; Spc. Terry K.D. Gordon, 22, of Shubuta, Miss.; Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Williams, 30, of Elkhart, Ind. (Source: https://helihub.com/2013/12/17/17-dec-13-sikorsky-uh-60-zabul-afghanistan-6).

“Six U.S. soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, NATO said, the largest death toll in a single incident to hit the international force in months. ‘The cause of the crash is under investigation; however, initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time,’ a NATO statement said. U.S. defense officials said the soldiers killed in the crash, which occurred in Afghanistan’s southern Zabul province, were American. One person survived the crash but suffered injuries.” (Source: https://www.reuters.com/).

According to CNN, the crash was likely due to an engine failure. (Source: https://www.cnn.com/2013/12/17/world/asia/afghanistan-isaf-crash/index.html (“Six U.S. troops were killed Tuesday in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan after what appears to be an engine failure, a U.S. defense official said. There was one survivor in the crash.”)).

“The incident was the single biggest loss of life for the NATO mission in Afghanistan since seven Georgian soldiers died when a suicide bomber blew up a truck loaded with explosives outside a base in Helmand province in June.” (Source: https://news.yahoo.com/).

We at Pilot Law extend our sympathies and condolences to the U.S. soldiers and their families. We have a lot of experience in handling cases such as this and will continue to independently investigate the possible causes of this terrible accident.  As always, we are available for a free consultation with anyone who may wish to pursue claims on their behalf or on behalf of a loved one.