A fatal helicopter crash in Afghanistan which killed all five UK personnel on board appears to have been a "tragic accident", the MoD has said.
The Lynx helicopter came down in south of the country on Saturday.
Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Maj Gen Richard Felton, said it was a reminder of the risks UK troops still face as they withdraw from Afghanistan.
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the men, whose families have been told.
Three of the soldiers and an airman were stationed in Hampshire. The fifth, an Army reservist, was based in London.
It was the first fatal accident of the Afghan conflict involving a UK military helicopter but the third biggest loss of life of British troops in a single incident in the country since the invasion in 2001.
'Poignant reminder'Maj Gen Felton said: "At this early stage [it] would appear to have been a tragic accident.
"Events like this, whilst mercifully rare, remind us of the risks our personnel face in their work in Afghanistan as we approach the conclusion of the combat mission later this year.
End Quote Col Richard Kemp Former commander, UK forcesIf the MoD is saying 'it's not been shot down, it's a technical problem', then I certainly believe that"
"Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
Mr Cameron said the incident "brings home to us all once again how our armed forces continue to put their lives on the line to help the people of Afghanistan.
"I cannot pay high enough tribute to each and every one of them for the job that they do and the sacrifices that they make."
Labour leader Ed Miliband said it was a "tragic and poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces in serving our country with bravery and distinction".
Despite Taliban claims its fighters had shot the aircraft down, BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt said sources had suggested the cause of the crash may have been "technical problems".
She said the crash site - close to the border with Pakistan - had also led to speculation that the helicopter could have been taking part in a special forces mission.
A former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, Col Richard Kemp, said: "The Taliban are masters of propaganda - they claim huge numbers of things that haven't actually happened.
"Of course it's a feather in their hat if they've managed to shoot down a British helicopter but if the MoD is saying, 'It's not been shot down, it's a technical problem,' then I certainly believe that."
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live earlier he said retrieving the wreckage and ensuring the men's bodies could be repatriated would be a hazardous operation.
"This is a territory the Taliban operate in fairly extensively so it will require a large number of troops and they themselves will be at considerable risk."
'Exceptional record'The helicopter was a Westland Lynx Mk 9, used in Afghanistan for reconnaissance, evacuating casualties and moving UK troops.
The deaths bring the number of British forces killed in the conflict in Afghanistan to 453.
Defence analyst Paul Beaver said the Lynx helicopter had an "exceptional record".
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Preliminary results of the crash investigation will probably be announced very soon, according to defence analyst Paul Beaver
"If enemy action is not suspected, which is what the MoD is saying, then you have to look at whether this might well be weather-related," Mr Beaver told the BBC.
Earlier he told BBC Breakfast he did not envisage other Lynx helicopters being grounded "because that notice would have gone out already".
Three of the soldiers on board the helicopter were from the Army Air Corps, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.
A fourth member of the crew was serving with the Royal Air Force and was also based at Odiham, while the fifth man was an Army reservist from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion, in London.
Concerned family members can contact the MoD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre on 08457 800 900.
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