Cause of deadly military helicopter crash near Pine Valley revealed
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The cause of the deadly CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crash near Pine Valley last year was revealed Wednesday.
The investigation determined the helicopter crash was due to pilot error, including failure to maintain safe obstacle clearance and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) visibility requirements, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a news release Wednesday.
Military officials ruled out material or mechanical failure to the aircraft.
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The incident occurred on Feb. 6, 2024, when the military helicopter crashed into a mountain ridge near Pine Valley during a flight from Imperial County Airfield to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Aboard the flight were Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, Sgt. Alec Langen, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Capt. Jack Casey and Capt. Miguel Nava. All five Marines were killed in the crash.
In November, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing also relieved the HMH-361 Commanding Officer of command 'due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to continue to serve in that position.'
'While the Commanding Officer's actions were not directly causal or contributing factors to the mishap itself, the Commanding General determined that he exhibited poor judgment, and was expected to exercise greater care in the performance of his duties,' military officials said.
In response to the investigation, 3rd MAW has implemented multiple recommendations to its policy and training.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
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