The Super Cobra helicopter wreck with a Coast Guard C-130 has left 9 people missing in the Pacific. Read about the Super Cobra Helicopter wreck here.
Some have begun to fear the worst after the unexplained nighttime collision, which occurred about 50 miles off of the San Diego coast.
The crash reportedly took place when a USCG C-130 collided with an AH-1 Super Cobra attack helicopter that was flying in formation with three other choppers. The helicopters were conducting a training exercise involving the transportation of troops.
The Coast Guard plane was searching for a boater who went missing on a 12-foot skiff. The Associated Press reports that the incident took place just after 7PM Thursday, roughly 15 miles East of San Clemente Island. At the time visibility was at about 15 miles.
So what went wrong? At this point, the investigation is ongoing, and will include a full review of the various transmissions that took place leading up to the crash.
What we do know is that the area in which the accident occurred is typically controlled by the military, with some exceptions for commercial aircraft.
The Commander of the USCG San Diego sector said pilots in the area are instructed to operate “…on a see-and avoid principal.”
Our hearts go out to the family of those involved. Let’s keep them in our thoughts as the search continues…
I’ve included a video related to the Super Cobra Helicopter wreck below.
October 30th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
As a former Sailor,I consider all these people my family.I want their families to know both they and the missing are in my thoughts and prayers.We can only hope and pray for the best of outcomes.
October 30th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Accident’s like this come with the job when you put the uniform on. It doesn’t make it any less painful though. My condolences to all the families. Spent 30 years associated with the Air Force (active duty and reserves).