Hercules crash

[CrouchmasterT]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/4220649.stm
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UK military plane crashes in Iraq

It is not known if any survived after a Hercules plane crashed
A British military transport plane has crashed in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
There was no immediate word on casualties, but the RAF plane's wreckage was scattered over a large area, according to reports.

The C-130 Hercules, en route from Baghdad to the city of Balad, crashed about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north west of Baghdad, say US officials.

The incident was reported at 1725 local time (1425 GMT).

Helicopters are at the scene and have observed the wreckage.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said of the crash: "It has just happened and it is one of ours."

British military chiefs have used the plane as a "workhorse" to transport troops, fuel, ammunition and humanitarian relief.

It is regarded as being especially of use in Iraq for its ability to land in desert conditions.
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My thoughts go out to the crew and any passengers.

[sneaky beaky]

The "Hercy Bird" is one of the most reliable planes in the Forces, either US or UK.
It is a "workhorse". I have flown in them many times, feeling totally safe on all occsasions.
It also attracts the best crews in both services, so I feel that this wasn't an accident.
My condolences for all the crew and passengers. May they Rest in Peace.
Sneaky

[beardo]

It said in the paper today that it was probably SAS onboard...mind you it was 'The Sun'

[Hallsy]

sky news reports 7 RAF personnel and 1 soldier

[got1]

[quote="sneaky beaky"]The "Hercy Bird" is one of the most reliable planes in the Forces, either US or UK.
It is a "workhorse". I have flown in them many times, feeling totally safe on all occsasions.
It also attracts the best crews in both services, so I feel that this wasn't an accident.
My condolences for all the crew and passengers. May they Rest in Peace.
Sneaky[/quote]

Ditto to that Sneaky, I think there safety record is second to none.

[Rotary Booty]

Well done the Sun..... wrong again!

There was an interview with yet another 'C130 Crash Expert' on the lunch time BBC News where the interviewer stated:

"If there was SAS troops on board, and we're not saying there was, what do you think they were doing?"

Just after the crash was first reported, yesterday, ITN grabbed that expert on all aviation matters, John Nichol. While he was being interviewed the caption read, 'John Nichol, Former RAF Pilot'.

Nothing like getting the facts right during this in-depth reporting.

I feel really sorry for the families of these guys who, at the worst time in their lives, also have to face the speculation and intrusion of the media in their bid to be 'First with the News; be it right or wrong.'

Derek

[Chappy]

Just got this on the newswire:-
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBK1YFTM4E.html

LONDON (AP) - Britain's foreign minister said Monday that the downing of a C-130 military transport plane north of Baghdad, which reportedly killed about 10 servicemen, was the biggest single loss of British lives since the start of the Iraq war.

In a statement posted on an Islamic Web site, the Iraqi militant group Ansar al-Islam claimed responsibility for Sunday's downing the plane north of Baghdad. The statement's authenticity could not be immediately confirmed.

[Tab]

I think we should remember that these threads may be read by friends and relations of the people killed in this accident and we should not speculate on who or what happened, but just extend our sympathy for those killed and all those that they have left behind.

[Artist]

Just hope the familes had been informed prior to all the speculation from the various "Experts" on the telly and radio.

May they rest in peace.

Artist

[MrMitty]

RIP - brave men all

[minimac]

RIP lads.

Tom

[Wholley]

I'd like to extend our sympathy from across the pond.
To the Families and friends.
At The Going Down of the Sun,
And In The Morning,
We WILL Remember Them.

[Tab]

Just information I have picked up, America has grounded 32 Hercules aircraft due to cracks in their wings