Black Hawk crash investigation findings released Published June 4, 2015 By Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs NEW ORLEANS -- The joint investigation into the crash of the Louisiana National Guard's 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment UH-60M Black Hawk in the Santa Rosa Sound near Hurlburt Field, Florida, which resulted in the death of four Guardsmen and 7 U.S. Marines on March 10, has been concluded. "Throughout this tragedy, we have focused on supporting the families and ensured that they are fully informed of all information relevant to the crash," said Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the LANG. "Training for high-risk, realistic missions, is something these servicemembers accepted on a regular basis to be able to do their job when called upon. We will continue to honor their sacrifice and remember their legacy." The thorough investigation was conducted jointly by the LANG and U.S. Special Operations Command and included a comprehensive review and analysis that examined all aspects surrounding the accident. The investigation determined that the direct cause of the accident was spatial disorientation of both pilots, which caused them to lose control of the aircraft. The spatial disorientation was due to the pilots failing to effectively transition from visual flight procedures to instrument flight procedures as thick sea fog rolled into the training area. The accident occurred during a joint training mission between the 1-244th AHB the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command. The pilots and aircrew were members of the LANG and the U.S. Marines on board the aircraft were assigned to MARSOC. The first training mission was successfully conducted on February 10-11. The accident occurred during the second training mission.