Search Continues for Missing US Marines and Military Helicopter
Marines’ Helicopter Found in Southern California
A search is currently underway for five US Marines whose military helicopter was located in Southern California’s Pine Valley this week, after it failed to arrive at a San Diego base as scheduled, according to reliable sources. The Marines were on a training flight aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion, flying from Creech Air Force base near Las Vegas to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. They were later reported overdue, as confirmed by a Marine Corps unit on Wednesday.
Helicopter Discovered in Pine Valley
The helicopter was found in Pine Valley, a mountainous area approximately 30 miles east of the San Diego station. Civil authorities made the discovery around 9 a.m. PT Wednesday, with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announcing that the exact condition of the helicopter was not immediately known.
Details of the CH-53E Super Stallion
The CH-53E is a heavy-lift helicopter renowned for its ability to transport troops, equipment, and carry up to 16 tons of cargo, as stated by the US Navy. The Marines aboard the aircraft are assigned to Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, confirmed Marines Capt. Stephanie Leguizamon.
Collaborative Search Efforts
The Marine Corps is currently coordinating the search for the crew in conjunction with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and other relevant agencies.
Adverse Weather Conditions and Last Recorded Ping
Weather conditions during the timeframe of the incident included gusting winds of up to 20 mph, and it is likely that they were stronger at higher elevations. Radar data revealed a heavy band of precipitation, featuring rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations, passing through the area between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday.
According to Cal Fire San Diego spokesperson Mike Cornette, the aircraft’s last ping was recorded at 11:20 p.m. Tuesday.
History of Super Stallion Incidents
The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters have been involved in multiple accidents over the past decade, with at least two of them resulting in fatalities. In 2016, a collision between two CH-53E helicopters during a night training exercise off Hawaii claimed the lives of 12 Marines. Military investigators later attributed the crash to pilot error. In another incident two years later, a training mission near El Centro, California turned deadly when a Super Stallion crashed, killing four crew members.
However, there have also been remarkable survival stories. In 2014, a CH-53E crashed during an attempt to land on an amphibious transport dock at sea during a training exercise in Djibouti, leading to a miraculous outcome for the 25 Marines and Navy sailors onboard.
Developing Story
We will continue to update this story with the latest information as it becomes available.
Contributors: Dakin Andone and Monica Garrett
