Germany loses two of its men in the crash of a helicopter near Gao
(B2) A German Tiger helicopter serving as part of MINUSMA crashed in Gao this Wednesday (July 26), around 14:30 p.m., about 70 km northeast of Gao, in northern Mali. Both pilots did not survive confirmed this evening the mMinister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen, during an improvised press conference at the headquarters of the ministry.
The dead crew
« This death touches us all deeply “said the Minister. " The whole army is in mourning. The death of these brave soldiers is a painful loss for families and loved ones, I would say we stand in this bitter hour with you and mourn [them] with you. » NB: the German army had four helicopters on the Minusma camp.
A sudden accident
The origin of the crash is not known, explained the Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Forces, Vice-Admiral Joachim Rühle. What we do know is that the accident was sudden. The helicopter suddenly nosed over. " No emergency calls were made by the crew. The alert was given by the helicopter which accompanied him. « The helicopter burst into flames and [completely] burned. The cause of the accident is still completely open. Evidence of external action is not available at this time. »
A technical breakdown?
According to the weekly website Der Spiegel, the crash could have a technical cause. The German newspaper has collected testimonies from pilots who speak " of a major breakdown ". These devices were not made for extreme heat, he explains, having to fly at 36°. However, the temperature there reached 43°. A derogation had therefore had to be granted by the Bundeswehr inspection, complete Time and patience.
A technical investigation begins
A team of investigators immediately left for Gao to determine the cause of the accident and try to find the flight recorders. Already in 2013, the Tiger aircraft of the German army had been immobilized following a crash in the Bavarian Alps (read: German Tigers grounded).
sent in reconnaissance
The two "Tigers" had been sent by the United Nations on Wednesday morning for a reconnaissance mission about 150 kilometers north of Gao, near the village of Tabankort, where skirmishes had taken place in the morning. Information given by the UN which caused confusion for some time. But, the accident occurred long before the two helicopters had reached the target area.
A sensitive issue during an election period
It should be noted that this accident occurs in the middle of the electoral period in Germany, while Berlin has committed itself more than expected to MINUSMA in Mali, for missions that have been described "beyond the Rhine" as "robust" even if they are not not reach the commitment of the French special forces in Barkhane.
(NGV)
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