One dead in military helicopter crash in Maryland

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Leonardtown, Md., on Monday afternoon, killing one crew member. 

The vehicle was traveling from Fort Belvoir, Md., when it went down at about 1:37 p.m., according to the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. 

The cause of the crash on the Breton Bay Golf Course is under investigation. 

“We are deeply saddened by this loss within our community,” Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker said in the statement. “Our condolences go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy, and our team is focused on supporting them during this difficult time.”

One crew member is in serious condition and one is in critical condition at the University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

Maryland State Police spokesman Sgt. Davaughn Parker said state police sent two medevac helicopters to assist with the crash.

{mosads}According to the Baltimore Sun, witness Kevin Bowen said observers saw the helicopter “flying kind of low” before it struck between the third and fourth holes of the golf course.

“[I] saw it spinning,” said Bowen, who works in the pro shop of the Breton Bay Golf and Country Club in Leonardtown.

Garrett Bowles, another witness, told CNN he thought the helicopter hit some trees before Monday’s accident.

Bianca Melton, a third observer, told the network it appeared the helicopter stalled out before it crashed.

CNN added that the UH-60 is an Army utility helicopter used in air assault, air cavalry and aeromedical evacuation units.

Monday’s accident follows an F-16 fighter jet crash near Maryland’s Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, D.C., on April 5.

The jet’s lone pilot “ejected and sustained non-life-threatening injuries,” according to the D.C. Air National Guard.

A team from the Army Combat Readiness Center, in Fort Rucker, Alabama, will be on site Tuesday to conduct the investigation, according to the Army statement.

Updated 7:50 p.m.