Weather and night vision goggles were likely factors in Marine Corps helicopter crash, report finds

Pilot error cited as cause of military helicopter crash

A report says weather and the use of night vision goggles were among the reasons for Marine helicopter crashed, killing Sergeant Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler and four others. FOX 10's Marc Martinez has the story.

Pilot error blamed for Pine Valley crash that killed 5 Marines, but unsafe conditions also a factor

A CH-53E Super Stallion during training at Camp Pendleton in 2015. (File photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps) The crash of a Marine Corps helicopter last year that killed five service members near Pine Valley was ultimately caused by pilot error. The use, however, of night vision goggles and unsafe flying conditions also likely were factors, according to an investigation report obtained by The Associated Press. The CH-53 Super Stallion crashed F…

Helicopter crash that killed 5 Marines near Pine Valley caused by pilot error

Pilot error was the root cause of the helicopter crash that killed five Marines during a severe storm near Pine Valley in February 2024, the Marines Corps said in an accident report released on Wednesday. The CH-53E Super Stallion was flying from Imperial County Airfield to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar when it encountered snow, rain and strong winds shortly before midnight on Feb. 6, 2024. The helicopter was designed to fly in such weather, …

Helicopter crash that left 5 Marines dead was caused by pilot error, investigator found

A fatal Marine Corps helicopter crash last year was caused by pilot error, but deteriorating weather conditions and the use of night vision goggles might have been contributing factors, according to an investigation released Wednesday.

Deadly Marine helicopter crash in San Diego's East County deemed 'pilot error'

More than one year later, the official investigation into the cause of the deadly military helicopter crash that killed five Marines is complete. It happened on Feb. 6, 2024, during the CH-53E Super Stallion’s return flight to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where all of the Marines were based.  The servicemen were identified as:  Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler…

Night vision goggles, weather likely factors in Marine helo crash

The CH-53 Super Stallion crashed Feb. 6, 2024, during a night flight when it hit a mountain near Pine Valley, California, killing all five Marines aboard.