Flames could be seen after a military helicopter made an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton on Friday, prompting police to warn drivers of possible traffic delays on Interstate 5.
All four crew members are safe and sound, said James Estillore, spokesman for the 3rd Naval Aircraft Wing’s Communications Strategy and Operations.
A military helicopter makes an emergency landing in Oceanside California on December 20, 2024.
Oceanside P.D
Shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time, “a US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing experienced a wing engine fire in flight,” Estillor said.
“The flight crew performed emergency procedures and landed the aircraft safely at a landing zone,” Estillore’s statement continued.
A military helicopter makes an emergency landing in Oceanside California on December 20, 2024.
Oceanside P.D
The helicopter landed on the north side of the freeway near the Aliso Creek rest area, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement.
“Please use caution and expect delays in the area,” the CHP said.
Local and Marine emergency personnel attended to extinguish the fire.
Camp Pendleton is the main base of the Marine Corps on the West Coast, located in San Diego County.
