A crew member on board a US Air Force helicopter was wounded after the aircraft was hit by a bullet mid-flight on Monday, the USAF said on Wednesday, with the incident triggering an FBI investigation.
A UH-1N helicopter was reportedly struck by a bullet while performing a routine training mission, near suburban Middleburg in Virginia.
The aircraft was undertaking an instrument approach into Manassas Airport, and flying at about 1,000 feet when it was hit by the gunfire. The helicopter was then forced to make an emergency landing in Manassas, Virginia, touching down at 12:43pm.
One member of crew onboard the helicopter suffered a minor injury, and damage to the aircraft was also reported, according to a USAF spokeswoman.
The crew member was taken to hospital for their injuries, and has since been released.
The Air Force spokeswoman did not disclose whether or not the crew were able to identify the round of gunfire, or the origin of the shots.
“The Office of Special Investigations is fully engaged with our FBI colleagues on this incident,” the spokeswoman said, however noted that all queries into the investigation itself should be directed to the FBI.
