Wed, May 06, 2009
Gunship/Helo Reported Down In Cleveland National Forest
ANN is monitoring reports of a Marine Corps helo crash near San
Diego, CA, in which two Marine aviators have reportedly lost their
lives. The aircraft went down shortly before midnight, Tuesday,
with two "highly qualified" pilots on board. Carrying live
ordinance, the AH-1W went down in the Cleveland National Forest to
the East of San Diego County. The aircraft was attached to the 3rd
MAW and the pilots reportedly hailed from the Medium Helicopter
Squadron 166 in the 11th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit).
The impact created a fire that consumed about two acres, which
required firefighters to stand by in the event that the fire cooked
off any of the onboard ordinance, until the fire had burned itself
out. When the wreckage was approachable, officials determined that
both pilots had probably died on impact, in a remote and wooded
area. Military officials have not disclosed any communications or
info regarding potential causes that might explain the reason for
the crash -- while a DoD investigations unit was reportedly on the
way to the accident site. Pilot's names have, understandably, been
withheld until families are properly notified.
Part of an exercise in preperation for a
forthcoming overseas deployment, the aircraft involved was an
AH-1W "Super Cobra," attack helicopter -- a twin-engine, two seat
design that has seen a number of upgrades and has become the Corps'
preeminent day/night gunship. Over the course of the next few
years, though, the "Whiskey" models are expected to be replaced by
the AH-1Z "Viper" which has been developed in conjunction with
Bell's UH-1Y 'Venom' update. The Viper adapts an
upgraded 4 blade main rotor system and adds a Night Targeting
System (NTS) to the design.
ANN sends our thoughts and prayers to the families of these
Marines... who were doing what Marines can always be counted upon
to do -- serving our nation -- at the time of this
accident.
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