JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The lead investigator said a Coast Guard helicopter that crashed off the Washington coast last year, killing three, was not flying at levels appropriate for its mission.
Capt. Timothy Heitsch also testified Wednesday that the helicopter was flown at speeds above the maximum for a normal, nonemergency operation.
Heitsch was one of the first witnesses called in the Article 32 hearing for Lt. Lance Leone in Juneau.
Leone is charged with negligent homicide and other violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The hearing could help determine whether the charges are dropped or whether he will face court-martial.
