Air Force officials identify victims in helicopter crash

  • Published
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFPN) --  Four Airmen were killed and three were injured when a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, crashed at approximately noon Nov. 8, 22 miles southwest of Aviano, Italy. 

Staff Sgt. Robert D. Rogers, Staff Sgt. Mark A. Spence and Senior Airman Kenneth P. Hauprich, Jr., all assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, were fatally injured during the crash. The fourth Airman's name is being withheld at the request of his family.

Sergeant Rogers, 27, was an avionic sensors team leader. He entered the service in 2001 and arrived on station May, 2005. 

Sergeant Spence, 24, was also an avionic sensors team leader. He entered the service in 2003 and arrived on station Jan. 2004. 

Airman Hauprich, 22, was an avionic sensors team member. He entered the service in 2004 and arrived on station June, 2005. 

Technical Sgt. Tanisha A. Pryor, Senior Airman Michael J. Costley and Senior Airman Joshua A. Hanak remain hospitalized. 

"We are devastated by this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family members, squadron members and friends of those who lost their lives and those who are recovering from their injuries," said Brigadier General Craig Franklin, 31st Fighter Wing commander. 

General Franklin also praised the efforts of Italian emergency responders. "The support from the Italian community has been overwhelming," he said. "Emergency responders from fire departments and the four hospitals in the area used every measure available to help our Airmen." 

A memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 15 at Aviano Air Base. The accident remains under investigation. 

Comment on this story   (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page