Army Black Hawk chopper carrying 5 missing off Hawaii coast

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army and Coast Guard are investigating a downed military Black Hawk helicopter off the Hawaii coast, authorities said Wednesday.

The Army UH-60 helicopter, with five people aboard, was reported down two miles west of Kaena Point on the island of Oahu.

A debris field was spotted late Tuesday at that location, after the Coast Guard Joint Rescue Command Center in Honolulu received notice from Wheeler Army Airfield of lost communications with the chopper crew.

Two Black Hawk crews were conducting training exercises when communication was lost, the USCG statement said.

The Coast Guard has involved its cutter Ahi, other ships and a helicopter in the search. Army choppers and boat from the Honolulu Fire Department are also involved.