Helicopter catches fire during training flight near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
A CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was on a routine training flight when it caught fire, Thursday afternoon, June 6, Marine Corps officials said
MIRAMAR, Calif. — A CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was on a routine training flight when it caught fire, Thursday afternoon, June 6, Marine Corps officials said.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. when the fire broke out shortly after takeoff from Imperial County Airport, 100 miles east of the base, said 1st Lt. Fredrick Walker, with the 3rd Marine Air Wing.
Pilots were forced to return to the airport for an emergency landing, Walker said. No injuries were reported.
It is unclear how many people were on board, but Walker said the Super Stallion generally has a crew of two pilots and two crew chiefs. The helicopter is part of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The cause of the incident and the extent of damage to the helicopter is under investigation.
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