Memorial service for Lakenheath helicopter crash at Cley

Ten years ago, on the evening of January 7, 2014, a USAF helicopter crashed at Cley next the Sea in north Norfolk, killing all four members of the crew on board.

The helicopter – a HH-60G Pave Hawk – was from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in north Suffolk and was on a low-level night training mission carrying live ammunition.

It was one of two helicopters deployed on the mission, which were flying at a height of 110 feet over Cley marshes – a Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve.

But disaster struck when a flock of geese took flight, likely being startled by the noise of the aircraft, according to a later report by the Air Accident Investigation Board.

The geese smashed through the windscreen, leaving the pilot, co-pilot and aerial gunner unconscious.

Another goose hit the front of the chopper, disabling its flight stabilisation systems.

The helicopter banked to the left, hitting the ground within just three seconds of the bird strike.

Capt Christopher S. Stover, Capt Sean M. Ruane, Technical Sergeant Dale E. Mathews and Staff Sergeant Afton M. Ponce all died in the crash.

The scene of the crash at Cley next the Sea (Image: Antony Kelly)

Memorial service 

Now, on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, a memorial service is being held to remember the crew.

The service will take place at Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, on Coast Road, on Sunday, January 7, at 10.30am.

There will be speeches from serving members of the USAF, laying of wreaths and a flypast (weather dependent).

“On Sunday, January 7, 2024, members of different communities from the local area will gather at the Jolly 22 memorial, located at the Cley-next-the Sea visitors centre, to honour the 10th anniversary of the sad loss of Jolly 22 and four Liberty Airmen: Capt. Sean Ruane, Capt. Christopher Stover, TSgt Dale Matthews and SSgt Afton Ponce,” Barry Wall, USAF 48th Fighter Wing Chief of Occupational Safety, said.

“Events have been taking place throughout the rescue community across the globe over the past few years to ensure the memory of the crew lives on. These have mainly been physically challenging in nature ranging from 22-mile marches carrying 56lbs, 22,000 burpee challenges, 22-mile Peloton rides all under the tag 22422 (22 for 22). These events and t-shirt sales also helped to raise funds through foundations related to the family members of the crews.

“We honour them because they were Liberty Airmen and they deserve to be remembered even though the 56th Rescue Squadron has moved to Aviano because once a Liberty Airman, always a Liberty Airman.

“This quote was passed on to me by a member of the Squadron when we were doing our ruck marches over here:

'Life is such a gift, the times when we feel defeated and broken we must never forget this. For strength and to refocus on what a gift life is, we have to simply look to our right and left at our brothers and sisters marching next to us, as well as remember those not here in physical form but rather in spirit. Remember our brothers and sister of Jolly 22, celebrate life, celebrate the gift of these things we do that others may live.'

“Currently the 56th Rescue Squadron are conducting five days of ‘ruck marches’ to honour their fallen teammates as part of an annual event to ensure their legacy and embody their motto, these things we do that others may live.”

The day of the crash

• At 5.33pm on January 7, 2014, two helicopters took off from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on a low-level night training mission.
• At 6.04pm, the aircraft were flying at a height of 110 feet over Cley marshes
• A flock of geese took flight and at least three geese smashed through the windscreen leaving the pilot, co-pilot and aerial gunner unconscious
• Another goose hit the front of the helicopter and disabled the flight stabilisation systems
• The aircraft banked to the left and hit the ground within three seconds of the bird strike