Marine Corps Report Cites Pilot Error in Helicopter Crash That Killed 5 in California
Pilot error was the root cause of a military helicopter crash near Pine Valley, California, last year that claimed the lives of five U.S. Marines, an investigation has found.
The CH-53E Super Stallion, callsign 'TIGER 43,' was conducting a routine flight from Imperial County Airfield to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar when it crashed into a mountain ridge on Feb. 6, 2024.
U.S. Marine Corps investigators found that the pilots failed to maintain safe obstacle clearance and did not adhere to visual flight rules visibility requirements, likely due to spatial disorientation caused by challenging environmental conditions, according to a May 7 Corps
The investigators confirmed there was no evidence of material or mechanical failure in the helicopter.
The five Marines lost in the crash were Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, Sgt. Alec Langen, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Capt. Jack Casey, and Capt. Miguel Nava, all members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
(Top L–R) Capt. Jack Casey, Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, and Sgt. Alec Langen. (Bottom L–R) Capt. Benjamin Moulton and Capt. Miguel Nava.
Marine Corps via AP
The helicopter disappeared late on Feb. 6, 2024, during a storm, and its wreckage was found the next morning near Pine Valley. Recovery efforts were disturbed by rough terrain and severe weather, and Marines stayed with the fallen until their bodies could be recovered, in keeping with the Marine Corps' tradition of never leaving a Marine behind.
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'We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family's worst fear,' Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of the squadron, said at the time of the accident. 'The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together.'
The May 7 statement said the investigation faced some limitations, including the inability to access certain onboard flight data and obtain exact real-time weather information. Investigators used available data and simulations to reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
Following a review of the investigation, the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing relieved the HMH-361 commanding officer of command on Nov. 18, 2024, citing a loss of trust and confidence.
While the officer's actions were not found to be a direct cause of the crash, the commanding general determined that he had demonstrated poor judgment and should have exercised greater care in his duties, according to the investigation report.
In response to the findings, the Marine Corps has implemented multiple changes to policy and training across the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The Corps also extended gratitude to the first responders and investigative teams involved in the aftermath and investigation of the crash.
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