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...more military helicopter news thruDate: Wednesday 7 February 2024
Time: c. 01:50
Type: Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
Owner/operator: US Marine Corps (USMC)
Registration: 164366
MSN: 65-595
Fatalities: Fatalities: / Occupants: 5
https://www.latimes.com/california/stor ... californiaThe CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter — the largest helicopter in the military, designed to fly in harsh conditions —
had gone missing as an historic storm dumped heavy snow and record rain over California.
Civilian authorities searching on ground and by air
located the aircraft just after 9 a.m. near the mountain community of Pine Valley,
about a 45-mile drive from San Diego,
but rescue crews said snowy conditions were making access challenging on the ground, officials said.
Overnight, visibility in the area was poor because of snow, rain and gusty winds,
according to meteorologist Philip Gonsalves with the National Weather Service in San Diego.
Those conditions would have been in play for most of the night and into the morning, Gonsalves said.
“Those conditions are still going to be bad right now,” he added.
The helicopter was initially reported missing north of Interstate 8, southeast of Pine Valley,
a remote mountain community.
The terrain where firefighters were instructed to search was covered in snow,
making it difficult for them to continue on foot, according to Cal Fire.
The Associated Press
Feb. 8, 2024 at 2:04 PM CET
Updated: moments ago
Five U.S. Marines aboard a helicopter that went down during stormy weather in the mountains outside of San Diego are confirmed dead,
military said
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