6 Americans killed in Afghanistan crash, officials say

Jim Michaels | USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Six U.S. troops were killed in a helicopter crash Tuesday in southern Afghanistan, making it one of the deadliest days for coalition troops in recent months.

The crash is under investigation, but in a statement the NATO coalition said there was no enemy activity at the time of the crash. They did not release any further details pending "casualty notification procedures."

The deadly crash came as U.S. casualties in the war have dropped to one of their lowest levels in years. The helicopter crash would bring the total number of U.S. service members who have died in Afghanistan this year to 119, down from 294 last year, according to a USA TODAY database.

The number of American forces has declined to less than 43,000 from a peak of about 100,000. Afghan forces this year are leading most operations against the Taliban and coalition forces are increasingly in a support role.

Helicopter crashes have have caused some of the largest U.S. death tolls in Afghanistan. The single deadliest day of the war for Americans was in August 2011 when Taliban militants shot down a helicopter killing 38 people, including 30 Americans.

Helicopters are used frequently to ferry troops and supplies around the mountainous country. Weather can be treacherous.

Tuesday's crash apparently occurred in Zabul province. The deputy governor of southern Zabul province, Mohammad Jan Rasoolyar, said a NATO helicopter crashed in the remote district of Shajau.

One person on board the aircraft was injured and survived, two U.S. defense officials told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record.

Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, Paul Overberg and The Associated Press