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.

FMI: www.marines.mil