A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter from the 3rd Marine Wing crashed in Southern California Thursday night, leaving one pilot dead and another injured, Task and Purpose reports.
The helicopter, assigned to the 369th Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron, 39th Marine Group, 3rd Marine Wing, was on a "routine" training flight when it suffered an "aviation incident" shortly after 7:00 p.m. local time on October 16.
The AH-1Z Viper crashed near Imperial Gables, a remote part of southeastern California, a few miles northwest of Yuma Proving Ground. Emergency crews transported one pilot to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, California, where the Marine was pronounced dead. The other pilot was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, and is in stable condition, according to the 3rd Marine Wing.
The two pilots have not been identified; Military policy dictates that the service must wait 24 hours before releasing the name of a deceased service member so that the next of kin can be notified.
"It is with deep sadness that I share the loss of a Marine from the 3rd Marine Aviation Wing and the "Gunfighters" during a training flight in support of the Marine Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course,“ Maj. Gen. James B. Wellens, commander of the 3rd Marine Aviation Wing, said in a statement.
"This Marine made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are eternally grateful for his selfless commitment and willingness to face danger. To the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen Marine, we extend our deepest condolences and offer our unwavering support in this time of grief.“
The Air Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, regularly flies over the Southern California desert. Thursday’s fatal crash is the latest incident in two years involving an aircraft from the wing. In August, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter caught fire while on the ground at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. All crew members on board were able to evacuate without injury. On February 6, 2024, another CH-53E Super Stallion crashed while returning to base, killing five Marines aboard.