Nine killed as two US Army Blackhawk helicopters crash

Incident in Kentucky is under investigation

The Blackhawk helicopter can carry up to 12 soldiers and usually four crew members. AFP

Nine people were killed in a crash involving two US Army Blackhawk helicopters in Kentucky, a military representative said on Thursday.

Nondice Thurman, a spokeswoman for Fort Campbell, said the deaths happened on Wednesday night in south-western Kentucky during a routine training mission.

"At approximately 10pm yesterday two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky," the US Army Base Fort Campbell said.

"The crew members were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred," it said.

Fort Campbell is located near the Tennessee border, about 97 kilometres north-west of Nashville.

The HH60 Blackhawk can carry up to 12 soldiers and usually four crew members, depending on the mission.

The incident is under investigation.

Typically, two pilots operate the aircraft while two other crew members could be manning door guns or fill the role of so-called "special mission aviators", who might be assigned to manage specific equipment or cargo.

"We've got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected," Governor Andy Beshear said earlier on Twitter.

"Please pray for all those affected."