Overview

• The CH-53E Super Stallion crashed on February 6, 2024, near Pine Valley, California, killing all five Marines aboard.
• The Marine Corps investigation concluded pilot error was the primary cause, leading to a controlled flight into terrain during adverse weather conditions.
• Contributing factors included icing, low cloud cover, and night vision goggle limitations, which impaired situational awareness.
• The squadron commanding officer approved the flight under unsafe conditions, exceeding their authority, and was subsequently relieved of duty.
• The report highlighted the absence of crash-survivable flight data recorders, prompting calls for improved safety measures and procedural reforms.