In Iraq, U.S. Helicopter Crashes in Flames

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An American Marine transport helicopter crashed in flames yesterday in a field northwest of Baghdad, killing all seven people aboard, the American military said. It was the fifth American aircraft lost in less than three weeks and the latest sign of growing problems with aviation in Iraq.

At the Pentagon, three Marine Corps officials said the troop-transport helicopter was in flames when it went down, with the pilot appearing to attempt a hasty landing but losing control as the aircraft descended.