Military officials on Monday publicly identified the Camp Pendleton Marine killed in a helicopter crash in Imperial County last week.
Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, died after an AH-1Z Viper experienced an “aviation mishap” during routine operations at around 7:05 p.m. Thursday in the unpopulated area of Imperial Gables — about 200 miles east of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, where the flight launched, according to a spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW).
Braconi — a California native and an AH-1Z Viper pilot — was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd MAW, the military unit said. He was commissioned in May of 2012 and promoted to the rank of major in June 2022.
“We join the family of Maj. Tyler Braconi in mourning the unimaginable loss of a loved one,” Lt. Col. Christopher Hart, the commanding officer of HMLA-369, said in a statement. “Our most valued asset is our people, the individual Marine, and Tyler was one of the greats. We mourn the loss of a ‘Gunfighter,’ brave aviator, and leader that served our nation with humility, strength, and purpose. Our focus is supporting Tyler’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
A second pilot was hurt in the crash and taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, military officials said. The 3rd MAW said last week the injured pilot was in “stable condition” but did not provide further details on Monday.
The aircraft was assigned to Camp Pendleton-based HMLA 369. It falls under the 3rd MAW, which is headquartered at MCAS Miramar.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, the military unit said, adding that the investigation could take several months to complete.