A helicopter crashed during a training flight at Camp Pendleton Wednesday afternoon, killing one person and injuring another five on board. The Bell UH-1Y “Huey†helicopter crashed in the northern portion of the base, about three kilometers from the eastern border with San Clemente, in the San Mateo area. Hit the jump to read the rest of the story.
Funk Flex
The emergency call came in about noon. Six people were aboard the helicopter assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is headquartered at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. The squadron aboard the aircraft is based out of Camp Pendleton, said Maj. Jay Delarosa, an air wing spokesman.
The crash sparked a small brush fire that was quickly extinguished, Delarosa said.
Three patients were transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla for unknown injuries, a hospital spokeswoman said. Others received medical treatment elsewhere.
Camp Pendleton officials declined to release further information about the incident or injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The UH-1Y is replacing the older, Vietnam-era UH-1N model.
The new Huey, known as the “Yankee†for its Y designator, has more powerful engines, a four-blade rotor and upgraded avionics systems. It can carry eight people, twice as many as the older version.
The new copter has a fuel system that reduces the risk of fire in the event of a crash, as well as seats that protect passengers and crew members upon impact, according to Bell’s website.
San Diego County Marines have been prepping for the transition over the past year, training on new full-motion simulators.
In 2004, four Marines were killed when their UH-1N Huey struck a power line during a night training flight and crashed on Camp Pendleton. Family members sued San Diego Gas & Electric, alleging the power company failed to properly mark the lines. A jury awarded the four families $55.6 million after finding SDG&E negligent.
