Military Helicopter Emergency Landing at Camp Pendleton

A military helicopter made an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton near Interstate 5 on Friday afternoon, around 4 p.m., and subsequently caught fire. The California Highway Patrol reported that all personnel aboard the helicopter were able to exit safely, and there were no injuries reported. The incident, caused by an engine fire during a training flight, led to heavy traffic delays as motorists slowed to view the flames and smoke visible from the freeway. Major Natalie Batcheler of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing classified the event as a 'mishap' rather than a crash. The CHP has advised drivers to use caution in the area due to the ongoing traffic disruptions. The situation remains under investigation as officials work to determine the exact cause of the emergency landing.