A military helicopter flying over Northern Virginia was hit by a bullet this week, injuring a crew member and forcing an emergency landing.
The incident happened during a training mission just after Monday afternoon, but the Air Force did not disclose it until Wednesday.
“Initial findings are that the helicopter was hit by a bullet, resulting in a minor injury to an Air Force member and damage to the aircraft,” an Air Force spokesman said in a statement.
The helicopter, a UH-1N Huey, “landed safely” at northern Virginia’s Manassas airport, the spokesman said. It was shot over a semi-countryside known for winning wineries.
Before being shot, the helicopter “performed an instrument approach at Manassas Airport (HES). “The plane was about 10 miles northwest of the airport, near Middleburg, Va., And flew about 1,000 meters above the ground,” the spokesman said.
It is unclear who shot the helicopter or why. The FBI is investigating the incident.
.
