SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A military aircraft carrying a crew of two pilots stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar experienced an “aviation mishap” Thursday near an unpopulated area of Imperial Gables, California, located near the CA-Arizona border.
Both servicemembers were taken to separate hospitals where one died and the other is in stable condition, military officials said in a news release Friday.
The incident happened during routine operations around 7:05 p.m., when the AH-1Z Viper, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, experienced an aviation mishap in Imperial Gables.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the loss of a Marine from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Gunfighters’ while conducting a training flight in support of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course,” said Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, the commanding general of 3rd MAW, in a statement. “This Marine made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for his selfless commitment and willingness to go into harm’s way. To the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen Marine, we send our deepest condolences and offer our unwavering support during this time of grief.”
The second pilot is in stable condition at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
Military officials will not release the identity of the pilot who died until 24 hours after all next of kin notifications have been completed.
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