Military Investigating Hard Landing of Transport Helicopter
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The military is investigating the hard landing of a transport helicopter in Afghanistan that happened yesterday. South of Bagram, as the airbase north of Kabul, Martin Savidge is in Kandahar, bringing us the latest on what happened there. Here's Marty.</s>MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We are continuing to gain more information as to what exactly was going on when the CH-47 suffered its hard landing about 24 hours ago. Apparently, it was a formation of three helicopters, flying in support of what was a combat operation, still ongoing at the this hour, south of Bagram. The helicopters were actually ferrying in fresh troops as part of that mission. There was said to be less than a hundred forces involved in the operation, and military officials saying very little beyond that point because of the fact that the mission is still happening. The helicopter, though, was apparently was coming in for a landing when it kicked up dust and debris, which is commonly called a brownout, and at the same time, the right front land gear of the helicopter fell into a depression and that caused the helicopter to roll on its side. Sixteen of the 24 onboard were injured. Immediately, the two other helicopters set down in the security perimeter. There have no shots were fired, but they were believed to be hostiles in the area. Aide was rendered on the scene, and then everyone was flown out to Bagram and given initial treatment. Ten of the injured have now been moved to a medical facility in Turkey to undergo further evaluation of perhaps specialized treatment. Meanwhile, investigators are trying to determine the extent of damage and try to figure out when, if or how they might move the helicopter for possible repairs. Martin Savidge, CNN, at the Kandahar Airport.</s>SAVIDGE: Thank you, Marty. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com