08-05-2025
Report: Pilot error caused helicopter crash that killed West Michigan marine
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — U.S. Military investigators have released a report detailing the cause of the helicopter crash that killed five Marines in February 2024, including West Michigan native .
According to News 8 sister station in San Diego, investigators found that pilot error, not material or mechanical failure, caused the crash.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announced that the pilot failed to maintain safe obstacle clearance and visibility requirements.
The on Feb. 6 after the helicopter took off from Creech Air Force Base, near Las Vegas. The Marines were reported missing after their aircraft did not show up at USMC Air Station Miramar in San Diego. Investigators found the crash site on a mountain ridge not far from where the helicopter was last reported, near Pine Valley, California, about 35 miles east of their destination.
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According to KUSI, the commanding officer of the squadron, , was relieved of his command this past November, as the investigation into the crash drew on.
'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 stated.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing has also implemented multiple recommendations to its policy and training in the wake of the crash.
Nava grew up in Comstock Park, where his mother was a longtime employee of Comstock Park Public Schools. Nava graduated from Comstock Park High School in 2013, where he was an all-conference soccer player and won district and regional championships as a kicker on the football team.
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Former President Joe Biden in January to rename Comstock Park's post office after Capt. Nava.
Nava is survived by his wife and son.
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