NHIndustries NH90 crash near Aruba, Aruba

A Royal Netherlands Navy NHIndustries NH90 NFH helicopter (N-324) crashed into the Caribbean Sea approximately 12.5km off the coast of Aruba while transiting from Aruba to Curacao at the end of a Coast Guard patrol. Pilot Lieutenant Christine Martens (34) and tactical coordinator Lieutenant Erwin Warnies (33) were killed. Two other crew members were rescued with minor injuries. The Dutch Safety Board investigation found the helicopter lost lift after making a downwind turn at low altitude — the aircraft reached the same speed as the wind, effectively hanging stationary in the air with no translational lift. Unable to recover before hitting the water, it ditched and capsized. The entire Dutch NH90 fleet of 19 helicopters was grounded. It was the first fatal crash of an NH90 worldwide. Prime Minister Rutte said he was "deeply affected."