Fatal Marine Helicopter Crash in Imperial County Leaves One Pilot Dead, Another Injured

Marine helicopter flying over Brawley on October 3, 2025 during training exercise. Photo courtesy: Thomas Berry/760 News Media

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. — One U.S. Marine Corps pilot was killed and another injured after an AH-1Z Viper helicopter crashed Thursday evening during a training mission near Imperial Gables, according to officials.

The aircraft was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based at MCAS Miramar. The crash occurred around 7:05 p.m. in an unpopulated area.

According to the Marine Corps, one of the pilots was transported to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, where they were later pronounced deceased. The second pilot was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and remains in stable condition.

Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, released a statement expressing condolences to the Marine’s family and squadron.

The crash happened during a training flight supporting the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, the Marine Corps confirmed. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Officials said the name of the deceased pilot will be released after next of kin have been notified.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stated that it is providing support to those affected by the incident.