Update: 2 confirmed dead in Marine Corps helicopter crash at Camp Pendleton

UPDATE:

A U.S. Marine Corps attack helicopter crashed at Camp Pendleton today, killing both personnel aboard, authorities confirmed.

An AH-1W Super Cobra crashed at Camp Pendleton Monday killing two on board. (Photo courtesy of www.aircav.com by PH3 Scott Blackhall, USN)

The AH-1W Cobra went down for unknown reasons about 1 p.m. on a training ground in the southeastern reaches of the USMC station, near Fallbrook, according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s public affairs office.

Both occupants died at the scene of the crash, which sparked a small brush fire, officials said. Base firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fatal accident was under investigation, said Cpl. Steven Posy, a spokesman for the 3rd MAW.

Original Story:

A U.S. Marine Corps attack helicopter with two personnel aboard crashed at Camp Pendleton today, possibly killing both occupants.

The accident in the De Luz area of the northern San Diego County USMC base was reported about 1 p.m., according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s public affairs office.

Initial reports indicated that the two service members aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash, but Marine Corps officials had not confirmed that information by mid-afternoon, said Cpl. Steven Posy, a spokesman for the 3rd MAW.