The crash occurred about 15 miles east of San Clemente Island and about 50 miles west of San Diego. The collision involved a C-130 transport plane belonging to the Coast Guard and an AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and stationed at Camp Pendleton.
Federal Aviation Administration officials said the crash was reported around 7:10 p.m. Thursday evening. CNN reported Friday that a pilot flying near the area reported seeing a fireball around the crash site Thursday.
Coast Guard and Navy officials began a search for survivors late last night. Military officials said that seven persons were in the C-130 and two in the AH-1. Calm seas and light winds are aiding search personnel.
Posted October 30th, 2009 by Sandy Smith
