CBP Pilot Killed in Helicopter Crash Near U.S.-Mexico Border

The crash occurred during a border security mission in San Diego County, with federal authorities now investigating the incident.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter crashed Monday morning near Potrero, California, killing the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350 B3, was conducting a border security mission when it went down in a private field near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Flight tracking data suggests the aircraft was flying at a low altitude and exhibited erratic movements before the crash, though there is no immediate indication of mechanical issues.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
This marks the second helicopter crash in San Diego County this year, following a February incident that claimed the lives of five U.S. Marines.