A helicopter carrying six people crashed near the California-Nevada border late Friday night, two days after five Marines were murdered when their helicopter went down in the Golden State.
The Eurocopter EC 130 crashed near Nipton, in the Mojave Desert Preserve’s outer reaches, east of the 15 Freeway, at 10 p.m. local time, according to the FAA.
“The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate,” the Federal Aviation Administration said.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported that no survivors had been located.
NBC stated that the chopper is registered to Orbic Air, a tour operator in the Burbank region.
Another accident within a week.
This tragedy came only days after a Navy chopper carrying five sailors crashed in Southern California’s mountains during a storm.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that five personnel had died. They were named as Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas; Sergeant Chandler, 23, of Arizona; Captain Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Captain Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Captain Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan.
Officials said the CH-53E Super Stallion went missing late Tuesday night following training at Creech Air Force Base northwest of Las Vegas on its way back to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
“It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that I share the loss of five outstanding servicemen from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers’,” stated Major General Michael J. Borgschulte, Commander of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, in a statement.
“To the families of our fallen Marines, we want to express our heartfelt condolences and assure you that we are fully committed to providing you with the support and care you need during this incredibly tough time,” he said. “While we recognize the risks that come with military service, the loss of a life is never easy for any of us.”