US Central Command’s official investigation determined that an insurgent-fired rocket-propelled grenade—not tactical error—caused the crash of an Army CH-47 helicopter that killed 30 US servicemen and eight Afghans on Aug. 6. “This mission, and the tactics and resources employed in its execution, were consistent with previous US special operations missions and the strike forces selected . . . were appropriate,” investigating officer Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Colt wrote in the investigating team’s report summary, released on Wednesday. Based on wreckage, accounts, and footage, investigators concluded that an RPG struck the helicopter’s aft rotor as it approached the landing zone, severing a blade and disintegrating both of the helicopter’s two rotors. The “main fuselage dropped vertically” exploding on impact, according to investigation team findings. Engaged in a night mission to kill or capture a Taliban leader in Wardak province, Afghanistan, three airmen were among the victims. (CENTCOM release) (Report executive summary; caution, large-sized file.)
The V-22 Osprey fleet will not return to full, unrestricted flight operations until mid-2025, a Pentagon official said, as part of a slow buildup following a deadly crash that killed eight Airmen and a three-month grounding. It will also be around that time that the V-22 Joint Program Office will start fielding…