Deadly Military Helicopter Crash In San Diego County Caused By Pilot Error: Report

SAN DIEGO, CA — More than a year after five U.S. Marines were killed in a military helicopter crash, investigators determined "pilot error" caused the deadly mishap in rural San Diego County.

The crash happened Feb. 6, 2024, as the service members were returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego following a training mission at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The CH-53E Super Stallion was reported missing before authorities discovered the helicopter had crashed into a mountain ridge near Pine Valley.

The crash was caused by pilot error, according to a report released Wednesday by the Marine Corps. Stormy weather was a contributing factor.

"The thorough investigation determined the root cause of the mishap to be pilot error, including failure to maintain safe obstacle clearance and Visual Flight Rules visibility requirements, which was likely influenced by aircrew spatial misorientation due to environmental conditions," a news release from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar said. "This tragically resulted in a fatal, Controlled Flight Into Terrain event. The mishap was not a result of a material or mechanical failure of any component on the aircraft."

The crash killed five Marines, including Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27; Capt. Jack Casey, 26; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28. They were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and were based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The commander of the helicopter squadron involved in the crash, Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, was fired last November "due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to continue to serve in that position."

"While the commanding officer's actions were not directly causal or contributing factors to the mishap itself, the commanding general determined that he exhibited poor judgment, and was expected to exercise greater care in the performance of his duties," the release said.

In addition, multiple recommendations were implemented to policy and training across 3rd MAW in response to the investigation.