One killed, another injured in AH-1Z training crash

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot was killed and a second aircrew member was injured after an AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter crashed during a training flight Thursday evening in Imperial Gables, a remote desert area of Imperial County, military officials said Friday. The helicopter, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, went down at about 7:05 p.m., according to the Marine Corps.

Both pilots aboard the twin-engine attack helicopter were flown to separate hospitals. One pilot was transported to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley and was later declared dead. The other was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and was listed in stable condition. The Marine Corps said it will withhold the name of the deceased until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.

Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, issued a statement expressing sorrow and condolences. "It is with profound sadness that I share the loss of a Marine from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Gunfighters while conducting a training flight in support of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course," he said....