Officials release HH-60 crash report Published July 7, 2003 LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- Air Force investigators were unable to determine the primary cause of the March 23 crash of an HH-60G Pave Hawk in Afghanistan.Investigators found substantial evidence that three factors contributed to the accident, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released July 3. First, the refueling tanker was flying 150 feet below the required altitude of 500 feet. Second, limited light reduced the effectiveness of night-vision goggles, which led to spatial disorientation and loss of situational awareness. Third, the terrain's high altitude 9,000 feet above sea level -- combined with the 30-degree bank during the refueling aircraft's climbing turn made it difficult to maintain the helicopter in the refueling position.The crew of six airmen from the 41st and 38th Rescue squadrons at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., was killed in the crash. The aircraft, valued at more than $21 million, was destroyed. The crew was en route to support a medical evacuation mission when the accident occurred. (Courtesy of ACC News Service)