The fatal collision of two CH-5E Super Stallions in January which led to the deaths of 12 people happened because of poor readiness and insufficient pilot hours, authorities say.
In an interview with Military.com Wednesday, the head of Marine Corps aviation Lt. Gen. Jon Davis said the crash was due to poor readiness and very low flight hours, though the helicopters themselves that evening were in good condition.
“I would actually say there shouldn’t have been a mishap,” Davis said. “If you read the investigation report, it’s pretty clear that there were a lot of things that could have happened to stop it from happening and didn’t happen, to include the recommendation of the safety officers involved not to fly the mission.”
Twelve Marines stationed in Hawaii died January 14 after two helicopters, Pegasus 32 and Pegasus 31, collided when one of the choppers caught up to the other just as it was making a sharp left, downing both at 1,500 feet elevation.
Nearby residents saw a gigantic fireball above the water
According to an investigative report on the crash, neither pilot had adequate flying hours nor was experienced at using night vision goggles.
“Investigators believe that the low light conditions made it difficult for the aircrew to recognize the rapid decrease in separation between the aircraft which led to the collision,” Marine Corps Forces Pacific spokesman Lt. Col. Curtis L. Hill told The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Just three days prior to the crash, the Marine Corps relieved the squadron’s commander, Lt. Col. Edward Pavelka, citing “lost confidence in his ability to continue to lead the squadron.”
Pilot hours have on average doubled since the installation of a new commander.
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