One ‘Gunfighters’ Marine was killed while another was injured after a helicopter crash during a training exercise.
An AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter crashed in a Southern California desert on Thursday evening, the 3rd Marine Aviation Wing said in a statement reported by the military and veteran affairs outlet Task & Purpose.
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Marine Corps, via email, for comment.
Why It Matters
The crash of a Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter in Southern California underscores persistent operational risks faced by U.S. military aviators, even during peacetime training exercises.
The incident will raise questions about flight safety, training protocols, and the impact on the “Gunfighters” of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, as well as the broader military community stationed along the West Coast.
What To Know
On Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, an AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, known as the “Gunfighters,” crashed during a training mission in Imperial Gables, a remote desert location in Imperial County, California.
The mission supported the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-26, held at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma. The incident occurred around 7:05 p.m. local time.
Both pilots aboard the AH-1Z Viper were transported to separate hospitals following the crash. One pilot was declared dead at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, California. The other was hospitalized at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and was listed in stable condition as of Friday afternoon.
The deceased pilot’s identity is being withheld pending official notification of next of kin, following established protocols.
No details about the specific circumstances of the crash have been released. Marine Corps authorities stated an official safety investigation is underway and could take several months to complete.
What People Are Saying
Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement on Friday: “It is with profound sadness that I share the loss of a Marine from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Gunfighters’ while conducting a training flight in support of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. This Marine made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for his selfless commitment and willingness to go into harm’s way. To the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen Marine, we send our deepest condolences and offer our unwavering support during this time of grief.”
A 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing spokesperson said: “To preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, no additional details are available at this time. Mishap investigations can take several months to complete, depending on various factors.”
What Happens Next
The Marine Corps will continue its investigation into the cause of the crash, a process that is standard for all aviation incidents, and can last several months, involving a detailed review of maintenance records, flight data, and environmental factors.
The name of the deceased pilot will likely be released to the public after all family notifications are complete, in line with government policy. The surviving pilot’s medical status is reported as stable, but no further information about their condition or prospects for recovery has been provided.