2016 U.S. Marine Corps helicopter collision

2016 U.S. Marine Corps helicopter collision

A US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion, similar to the two destroyed helicopters
Accident summary
Date	January 14, 2016
Summary	Mid-air collision
Site	Off Oahu, Hawaii, United States
Total fatalities	12 (all)
Total survivors	0
First aircraft
Type	Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
Operator	United States Marine Corps (USMC)
Fatalities	6
Second aircraft
Type	Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
Operator	USMC
Fatalities	6

The 2016 U.S. Marine Corps helicopter collision occurred in the late evening hours of January 14, 2016, when two Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion^[1] helicopters of the United States Marine Corps reportedly collided^[2] over the Pacific Ocean, off Oahu's North Shore, in Hawaii. Each helicopter had six U.S. Marines aboard. A search and rescue operation was undertaken, and a debris field from the two craft was located.^[3][4] On January 20, the twelve crew members were declared deceased.^[5]

In April, 2016, the remains of nine of the twelve crew members were recovered, as well as large portions of the wreckage. Three of the crew members have never been found.^[6]

Accident and rescue operation

Kaneohe Bay, in background. Mokapu Peninsula, the site of the Marine air station, is in the middle-ground

The two aircraft departed in the late evening hours on a routine training mission, from the Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, and flew over the North Shore in the vicinity of Haleiwa. Local residents later reported hearing two distinct explosions.^[4] A resident on a beach reported seeing the two helicopters flying in the distance, then a fireball.^[7]

A massive search and rescue operation was undertaken, involving the United States Air Force,^[8] Coast Guard, Marines, Army MEDEVAC helicopter crews and Navy, along with the Honolulu Fire Department^[9][10] and Police Department.^[11] The search and rescue operation ended on January 19.^[12] Wreckage of the two helicopters was found in 325 feet (99 m) of water. All four of the life rafts were also found on the surface during the 5-day search, but there was no evidence that they had ever been used by the helicopter crews.^[13] A memorial service for the lost Marines was held Friday, January 22 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.^[14]

The two helicopters belonged to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The twelve Marines on board were all from the contiguous United States. Two each were from Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Texas; and one each were from Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon and South Carolina.^[15]

Statement

On January 20, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter made a statement honoring the crew members. "These proud Marines died as they lived, in service to a country they loved and in dedication to a cause greater than themselves," Carter said. Carter thanked the Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine personnel for their involvement in rescue operations.^[16]

Investigation

The Marine Corps will lead an investigation into the incident, which will include salvaging the fuselages of the two helicopters. The wreckage was located approximately two miles off shore, under 325 feet of water. The announced recovery operation included plans to find the remains of the missing crew, so they can be returned to their families. A board will review the evidence surrounding the crash.^[14]

References