WAS IT DOWNED BY A MISSILE? Wreckage strewn over wide area Plane one of safest in the air Disaster came on day of Iraq poll.(News)

Byline: DON MACKAY and RICHARD SMITH

A MISSILE attack was the main suspect in the downing of an RAF Hercules yesterday.

Up to 15 servicemen, including eight SAS troops, plus the crew, died when the C130 aircraft broke up over Iraq and plunged to the ground.

The Hercules had taken off from Baghdad airport for Balad, 40 miles to the north and was 25 miles into the flight when disaster struck.

Experts fear it was the "spectacular" attack the rebels had threatened as Iraqis went to the polls to elect a new government.

Planes taking off from Baghdad and Balad have come under ground to air fire in the past.

The Hercules …

WAS IT DOWNED BY A MISSILE? Wreckage strewn over wide area Plane one of safest in the air Disaster came on day of Iraq poll.(News)

Byline: DON MACKAY and RICHARD SMITH

A MISSILE attack was the main suspect in the downing of an RAF Hercules yesterday.

Up to 15 servicemen, including eight SAS troops, plus the crew, died when the C130 aircraft broke up over Iraq and plunged to the ground.

The Hercules had taken off from Baghdad airport for Balad, 40 miles to the north and was 25 miles into the flight when disaster struck.

Experts fear it was the "spectacular" attack the rebels had threatened as Iraqis went to the polls to elect a new government.

Planes taking off from Baghdad and Balad have come under ground to air fire in the past.

The Hercules …