Flames could be seen where a military helicopter made an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton on Friday, causing police to warn drivers of potential traffic delays along Interstate 5.
All four crew members were reported safe with no injuries, James Estillore, spokesman for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Communication Strategy and Operations, said.
Military helicopter makes emergency landing in Oceanside California, Dec. 20, 2024.
Oceanside PD
Shortly after 4 p.m. local time, “a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing experienced an engine fire in-flight,” Estillore said.
“The aircrew conducted emergency procedures and safely landed the aircraft at a landing zone,” Estillore’s statement continued.
Military helicopter makes emergency landing in Oceanside California, Dec. 20, 2024.
Oceanside PD
The helicopter landed along the northbound side of the freeway, near the Aliso Creek Rest Area, California Highway Patrol said in a statement.
“Please use caution and expect delays in the area,” CHP said.
Local and Marine Corps emergency responders attended to the scene to extinguish the fire.
Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base for the Marine Corps, located in San Diego County.