2016 United States Marine Corps helicopter collision facts for kids
|
A US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion similar to ones involved
|
|
| Accident summary | |
|---|---|
| Date | January 14, 2016 |
| Summary | Mid-air collision |
| Place | Off Oahu, Hawaii, United States |
| Total fatalities | 12 (all) |
| Total survivors | 0 |
| First aircraft | |
| Type | Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion |
| Airline/user | United States Marine Corps (USMC) |
| Fatalities | 6 |
| Second aircraft | |
| Type | Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion |
| Airline/user | USMC |
| Fatalities | 6 |
On January 14, 2016, two large Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from the United States Marine Corps crashed into each other. This happened over the Pacific Ocean, near the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Each helicopter had six U.S. Marines on board, making a total of twelve people. A big search and rescue effort began, and parts of the helicopters were found. By January 20, all twelve crew members were sadly declared deceased.
In April 2016, the remains of nine of the twelve crew members were found. Many large parts of the helicopter wreckage were also recovered. However, three of the crew members were never found.
Contents
What Happened: The Accident and Rescue
The two helicopters left for a normal training mission late in the evening. They took off from the Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. They were flying over the North Shore, close to Haleiwa. People living nearby later said they heard two loud explosions. One person on a beach saw the two helicopters flying far away, then saw a big fireball.
A huge search and rescue operation quickly started. Many groups worked together, including the United States Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Army, and Navy. The Honolulu Fire Department and Police Department also helped. The search lasted for five days and ended on January 19. Parts of the two helicopters were found under 325 feet (99 m) of water. All four life rafts from the helicopters were also found floating on the surface. But there was no sign that the crews had used them.
After the Crash: Honoring the Marines
On January 20, the Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter, spoke about the crew members. He said, "These proud Marines died as they lived, serving a country they loved." He also thanked everyone who helped with the rescue operations. A special memorial service was held for the lost Marines on January 22 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
The two helicopters belonged to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The twelve Marines on board came from different states across the United States. Two were from Alabama, two from Pennsylvania, and two from Texas. One Marine was from Florida, one from Massachusetts, one from Minnesota, one from Missouri, one from Oregon, and one from South Carolina.
The Investigation: Finding Out Why
The Marine Corps is leading an investigation to find out what caused the crash. This will include bringing up the main parts of the two helicopters from the ocean floor. The wreckage was found about two miles offshore, under 325 feet of water. The plan was also to find the remains of the missing crew members. This way, they could be returned to their families. A special board will look at all the evidence to understand what happened.
Images for kids
-
A US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion similar to ones involved
