Authorities confirmed on Thursday that the five U.S. Marines aboard a military helicopter that crashed in the mountains near San Diego had died.
The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was reported missing during a routine training flight from Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, said the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The aircraft was located Wednesday near Pine Valley, approximately 45 miles east of San Diego.
Maj. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, expressed deep sadness over the loss of the Marines. “To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences,” he said.
Efforts to recover the Marines’ remains and equipment are underway. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
According to Col. James C. Ford, operations officer with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marines have been stationed at the scene to stay with the remains. “Their fellow Marines have remained by their side as Marines do,” Ford said.
The identities of the Marines will be withheld until 24 hours after all next-of-kin notifications are completed. They were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Miramar.
Recovery efforts were impeded by heavy snowfall caused by a historic storm that struck California. Search teams comprised of local, state, and federal authorities, including the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit, were involved in the search.
The CH-53E Super Stallion, the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. military, has been involved in several deadly incidents in the past. Its accident rate is notably higher than other Marine aircraft, according to former aircraft accident investigator Rich Martindell.
Investigations into the crash will consider the helicopter’s history and accident rates to determine possible mitigating measures for future operations.
