Pilot Error Causes Marine Helicopter Crash, Kills 5 Near Pine Valley

An investigation into the February 2024 Marine Corps helicopter crash near Pine Valley, California, which killed five service members, concluded that pilot error was the primary cause of the accident. Adverse weather conditions, including snow, rain, strong winds, icing, and low cloud cover, contributed to poor visibility along the mountainous flight path. The use of night vision goggles, which can degrade depth perception and are affected by weather and light pollution, likely impaired the crew's ability to avoid terrain, potentially giving them a false sense of security. Investigators noted that the helicopter was not equipped with a survivable flight data recorder, limiting the ability to determine all contributing factors. The squadron's commanding officer should not have approved the flight and was subsequently relieved of duty. No mechanical or material failure was found to have contributed to the crash.