PINE VALLEY, Calif.— A Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter crash near Pine Valley, California, on February 6, 2024, that killed five service members was primarily caused by pilot error, according to an investigation report.
According to AP News, the report, obtained by The Associated Press, also highlighted the use of night vision goggles and unsafe flying conditions as contributing factors to the crash. The helicopter was flying in icing conditions with low cloud cover, which obscured the mountainous terrain along its flight path.
Investigators found that the pilot’s failure to avoid the terrain was the primary cause of the crash. They also noted that the commanding officer, who was relieved of duty, should not have approved the flight.
The crash occurred during a late-night flight as the helicopter was returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar from Creech Air Force Base. The helicopter hit a mountain near Pine Valley and was discovered the following morning.
The report indicated that the crew was using night vision goggles, which likely did not provide a clear enough picture to avoid crashing into the terrain. The goggles’ performance was probably degraded by the precipitation and clouds, possibly giving the crew a false sense of security.
The crash claimed the lives of all five Marines aboard: Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, Sgt. Alec Langen, Capt. Miguel Nava, Capt. Jack Casey, and Capt. Benjamin Moulton.
Interviews in the report revealed that the squadron’s crews had been stretched thin due to additional missions required after the V-22 Osprey fleet was grounded for several months the previous year.
The investigation underscores the complexities and risks involved in military aviation, particularly under challenging conditions. The findings have prompted a reevaluation of flight approval processes and the use of night vision technology in adverse weather conditions.