Marine Corps Helicopter Lands At I-15 Near SWR As 'Precaution'

PALA MESA, CA — A Marine Corps helicopter is making an unexpected stay just south of Temecula after the crew made a “precautionary” landing near Interstate 15 and state Route 76.

On Tuesday, crews were working to get the aircraft back to MCAS Miramar after the chopper landed safely in a field on the west side of I-15 around 3:30 p.m. Monday.

A spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing told Patch that the crew of the CH-53E Super Stallion made the landing after a cockpit indicator light signaled a possible generator failure.

No one was injured in the incident, the spokesperson said.

The Marine Corps has had security stationed around the aircraft since Monday's incident. At press time, crews were working to "determine the best possible way" to move the aircraft, the spokesperson said. An ETA on when the chopper would be returned to Miramar was not provided.

Typically, a crew of four people man the CH-53E Super Stallion, although the number of crew members on board Monday was not available from the spokesperson.

The aircraft is the largest Marine Corp helicopter. It's used for "combat service support" to move crews and equipment, the spokesperson said.