Defending Defending their claim Statement that the helicopter had been lost Damaging in action , the United Kingdom 's Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) stated Statement that they had not wanted to `` cause Causation further anguish Change_sentiment to relatives '' while they were still trying to ascertain Check how the Gazelle had been shot down Use_firearm .

The crew then stopped Preventing_or_letting the descent Motion_directional at 150 feet above the sea , as though trying to locate Placing the final approach Arriving area , thinking Coming_to_believe they were close to the runway because of the airport lights .