Overview
- An AH-1Z Viper from HMLA-369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, crashed around 7:05 p.m. on Oct. 16 in a remote Imperial Gables area of Imperial County.
- The two-seat helicopter was flying a training mission in support of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course hosted out of MCAS Yuma.
- One pilot was transported to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley and was pronounced dead, while the second was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs in stable condition.
- Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, commanding general of 3rd MAW based at MCAS Miramar, expressed condolences to the fallen Marine’s family and the HMLA-369 “Gunfighters.”
- Officials said no additional details would be released during the safety probe, which could take months to complete.