El Toro Crew Crash-Lands Copter
A Marine helicopter flown by reservists from the El Toro Marine base made a crash landing at a New Mexico military facility Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Officials at Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque said no one was hurt in the 8:50 a.m. crash and there was no serious damage to the helicopter or to property on the ground.
The CH-46 twin-rotor helicopter, usually used to transport troops and equipment, landed in a parking lot on the west side of the base, within about 50 feet of cars, said Tech. Sgt. John C. Harrison, a base spokesman. Some flying debris apparently hit nearby cars.
The four-member crew was at Kirtland on training duty in the helicopter, nicknamed the Frog, officials said. None of the crew--identified as Maj. M.W. Raimnitz of El Toro, Capt. R.S. Nibecker of Menifee, Gunnery Sgt. D.D. Goodner of Riverside and Staff Sgt. W.F. Kasey of Downey--were hospitalized or complained of pain afterward, officials said.
The cause of the crash landing was being investigated.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
