Overview
- Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, a California native with HMLA-369 at Camp Pendleton, was named as the pilot who died in the crash.
- The AH-1Z Viper went down around 7:05 p.m. near the remote Imperial Gables area during routine operations supporting the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.
- A second pilot was hospitalized at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and was last reported in stable condition, with the name not released.
- Braconi commissioned in 2012, was promoted to major in 2022, served with HMLA-267 and as an exchange pilot with the Australian Army, and earned multiple decorations including a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
- Officials said the flight launched from MCAS Camp Pendleton, Braconi was pronounced dead at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, and the cause of the mishap remains under investigation.