FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Army investigators have recovered the flight data recorders from last week’s deadly Black Hawk crash in Cadiz, Kentucky.
An aviation safety team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center from Fort Rucker, Alabama, now has the recorders from the two HH-60 Black Hawks involved in the training accident on March 29 that killed nine 101st Airborne Division soldiers.
Referred as “black boxes” in civilian aircraft, the recorders have been sent back to Fort Rucker for further analysis, according to a 101st Airborne news release.
“We cannot provide a timeline as to when the investigation will be completed,” said Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesman for the 101st. “The duration of the investigation is determined by the thorough analysis of all factors.”
The remains of all nine soldiers have been transferred to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The deceased soldiers were escorted and honored by various police escorts starting from Fort Campbell to Dover AFB. Dover AFB base is home to the Joint Service Mortuary Affairs Office, the release said.
Three of the soldiers who died in the accident, have been posthumously promoted to the next higher grade. Cpl. Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos was promoted to sergeant; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 3; and Warrant Officer 1 Aaron Healy was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2. An honorary promotion ceremony will occur with the families at a later date.
The 101st, Fort Campbell and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital are providing a wide range of services to the soldiers and families affected, the release said. Chaplains, the Family Advocacy Program, Military Family Life Consultants, behavioral health professionals, and multiple crisis lines are available for soldiers, family members, and the Fort Campbell community.