The United States Marine Corps (USMC) confirmed this Wednesday (04) the accident with one of its helicopters heavy transport vehicle CH-53 Super Stallion. The aircraft, one of the largest of its kind in the USA, disappeared in the early hours of Tuesday (07) with five soldiers on board and was found today. 

The soldiers lost contact with the helicopter last night, during a routine training flight. The aircraft took off from Creech Air Force Base, in the state of Nevada, and its final destination was Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in California. After several hours of searches, the CH-53 from the HMH-361 Tigres Voadores squadron was found this morning by “civil authorities”, reported the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

“The aircraft was located by civil authorities in Pine Valley, California, at 09:08 [14:08 Brasília time]. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is managing search and rescue efforts through the Wing Operations Command Center and using air and ground assets to locate the crew, in coordination with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and multiple federal agencies, state and local levels”, says the note published this afternoon.  

So far there is no information about the health status of the crew. 

In service since 1981, the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is among the largest military helicopters in operation in the United States, with dimensions similar to those of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook.

Powered by three powerful General Electric engines, the helicopter can carry up to 55 soldiers; Its load capacity is also a highlight, being able to transport 14 tons internally or lift up to 16 tons using a hook. Currently, the US Marines are replacing the Super Stallion with a newer, more powerful model, the CH-53K King Stallion. The new helicopter reached Initial Operational Capability in 2022 and is still being evaluated.