6 hospitalized after Pendleton helo crash

Staff and wire reports
Posted : Wednesday Jul 6, 2011 18:43:13 EDT

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — A UH-1Y helicopter carrying six personnel crashed on Wednesday at Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps officials said.

The crash occurred about noon in the San Mateo training area in the base’s northern section. The helicopter, known as a Yankee Huey, is a newer, upgraded four-blade version of the utility helicopter.

“There were six personnel aboard the helicopter and they are currently receiving medical attention at this time,” officials with San Diego-based 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement. Wing officials provided no other details about the mishap, conditions of the personnel aboard the helicopter or identify the helicopter’s squadron.

At least three of the injured were taken to nearby Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in San Diego, about 30 miles south of the base, hospital spokeswoman Lisa Ohmstede said. She said she also couldn't discuss their injuries and she didn't know what other hospitals took in patients from the crash.

There is no confirmation of any fatalities, wing spokesman Maj. Jay Delarosa said.

The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that one person died and “several others” were injured in the crash, which prompted a brush fire in the area that was put out by base firefighting crews.

The Huey carries a crew of at least three, including a pilot and copilot.

The mishap is believed to be the first operational crash involving the UH-1Y Huey, which joined the Corps’ inventory in 2008. So far, 44 Yankee Hueys have been delivered to the Corps, which plans to buy 160 of the helicopters, according to service figures

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/07/marine-pendleton-helo-crash-6-hospitalized-070611w/