A helicopter crash near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County took at least one life on Monday. The accident happened around 11:20 a.m. in Potrero, a rural area, according to Cal Fire officials.
The helicopter crashed in a field close to Round Potrero Road. Within a short period after the accident, emergency responders were reported to have found debris at the site. Cal Fire stated that the helicopter did not belong to them.
There is no official statement regarding the ownership of the helicopter, its flight path, or what may have caused the crash. The victim’s identity is not yet known, but one death was confirmed.
This is the second helicopter crash in San Diego County this year after a separate accident had occurred in February.
Military Response
On February 6, a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft crashed in East County, killing all five Marines on board. The helicopter had departed from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and was headed to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow, triggered an extensive search and rescue operation.
The February crash had severe implications within the military, with changes in leadership coming in its wake.
Leadership Changes After Marine Crash
Last month, Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commander of Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, was relieved of his duties. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing explained the decision, stating it was due to “a loss of trust and confidence” in his leadership.
The military did not link Harvey’s dismissal to the February crash but, however, did not mention the reasons for his removal in the official announcement.
