The San Diego Union-Tribune, citing Navy sources, reported that the helicopter may have approached the Pecos too low and the rope may have snagged an antenna or part of the ship, causing it to crash. Nevers would not confirm the report, and Marine Corps spokeswoman Capt. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen in a dozen ships and six helicopters used night vision goggles, infrared sensors and search lights to aid divers through the night. The wreckage would be key to any investigation into why the 23,000-pound helicopter went down. It was the third crash of that type of helicopter in two years.
All helicopters are top heavy.
When they hit the water, they are going to fill with water, invert and sink,'' he said. None of the 11 rescued was seriously injured. It can carry 14 troops and a crew of four. The Navy uses the CH-46D version to deliver personnel and cargo to and from ships. Last year, there were two crashes involving Sea Knight helicopters.