Overview

• The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crash on February 6, 2024, near Pine Valley, California, was caused by pilot error, according to a Marine Corps investigation report released in May 2025.
• The report found that the pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance and visibility requirements, leading to a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) incident.
• Environmental factors, including severe icing and low visibility, combined with night vision goggle limitations, likely contributed to the crash.
• The squadron's commanding officer was relieved of duty for approving the flight despite unsafe weather conditions, highlighting command accountability in the tragedy.
• The lack of a crash-survivable flight data recorder on the CH-53E hindered the investigation, prompting calls for safety upgrades across the aging helicopter fleet.