4 Presumed Dead In Marine Helicopter Crash In El Centro

SAN DIEGO, CA – Four crew members are presumed dead after a Marine Corps helicopter crashed Tuesday afternoon during a routine training mission in the El Centro area of Imperial County, military officials said.

The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar crashed around 2:35 p.m. Four crew members were aboard the aircraft.

All four crew members are presumed dead pending positive identification, said Marine spokeswoman Capt. Morgan Frazer.

The Marine Corps is investigating the crash. No further details were immediately available.

Also see:

• 2 Marines Burned In MCAS Miramar Fire
• Human Remains Found On MCAS Miramar
• Fiery Training Accident That Injured 15 Marines Under Investigation
• Marine Found Dead At MCAS Miramar Identified
• Sailor Struck By Helicopter Blade At Camp Pendleton
• Suspicious Parcel Deemed Safe At MCAS Miramar Post Office

Photo via Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary DiPadova/DVIDS