KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- A U.S. CH-47 Chinook helicopter made what was described as a "hard landing" Monday on a bomb-pocked airstrip in the dark, injuring 14 U.S. soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division.
The accident occured at around 11:30 am EST Monday near Khost, close to the eastern border of Afghanistan, according to U.S. Central Command. The helicopter was extensively damaged.
Col. Frank Wiercinski said the soldiers received medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
The soldiers were taking part in an air assault combat operation at the time of the "hard landing."
A Pentagon official blamed a "brown-out" for the accident. A brown-out occurs when the helicopter's rotors stir up so much dust from the ground it can no longer get enough airlift to remain in flight.
(With reporting by Pamela Hess at the Pentagon.)
