One soldier killed, one wounded when helicopter forced down

Above: An AH-64 Apache helicopter in Ninewah in 2005. Although the military hasn't released details on the type of helicopter downed, the AH-64 Apache is the United States Army's principal attack helicopter and takes a 2-man crew. The crew sit in tandem, with the pilot sitting behind and above the copilot-gunner in an armored crew compartment. The laying of IEDs to ambush rescuers has become a common tactic, and suggests a well-coordinated choice of timing and placement for the attack.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A U.S. soldier on board a military helicopter was killed when the aircraft was forced down in northern Iraq on Wednesday, the military said.

A spokesman said it was unclear if the helicopter had taken ground fire, adding the incident was under investigation. He declined to give the type of helicopter or provide more details on the victim.

In a statement, the military said the helicopter came down in Ninewah province.

Another soldier on board had been hurt, the military said. At least 10 helicopters have been shot down in Iraq this year prior to Wednesday's incident, killing 30 people, most of them American military personnel.

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