On 29 October 1992, four MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters departed from Hill AFB, UT, in a joint training exercise en route to Michael Army Airfield, Dugway, UT. Two Air Force helicopters assigned to the 55th Special Operations squadrons Eglin AFB and two Army helicopters assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Ft. Campbell, KY, participated. One of the Air Force helicopters crashed into the Great Salt Lake. Three crew members and nine passengers from the Army Rangers and Air Force personnel were killed instantly upon impact.
The exact crash site is at N 41° 04.480 W 112° 13.900. From the monument the crash site is approximately 9/10 of a mile north northeast. The USAF uses the Pave Hawk to conduct peacetime, contingency, and wartime special operations missions to infiltrate, resupply, and withdraw American and Allied Special Operations Forces. It is also equipped for transport of personnel and litter patients. The aircrew that day received a weather update briefing from a team at Hill Air Force Base. The surface weather conditions were overcast skies at 3400 feet, 7 miles visibility in rain, and winds from the east at 3 knots. Weather radar indicated thunderstorms and rain showers 95 miles west. Weather radar indicated cells moving from the southwest at 10 knots and Max Tops 20,000 feet. Winds west northwest at 29 miles. There had been no weather alerts/warnings issued. Although the weather forecast predicted VFR conditions, witnesses experienced intermittent rain and scud, coupled with zero moon illumination and low ambient light levels over and to the west of the Great Salt Lake which resulted in no visible horizon and unfavorable night vision goggle flying conditions.
As Air Force veterans, we appreciate the sacrifice of these soldiers and airmen, and all others who have served and are currently serving to protect the freedoms we enjoy.
