2 Marines killed in helicopter crash at Calif base

2 Marines killed in helicopter crash at Calif base
September 20, 2011
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.—An investigation was under way into the cause of a helicopter crash that killed two Marines during a training exercise at Southern California's Camp Pendleton.

The crash sparked a brush fire that burned 120 acres, a base statement said. It was 80 percent contained.

The twin-engine, two-seat AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed in the southeast corner of the base Monday near the community of Fallbrook.

The Marines died at the scene. Their names won't be released until their families have been notified, officials said.

The fire grew quickly after the crash, burning 50 acres within three hours after the helicopter went down. It initially was moving near the base's border with the town of De Luz, but was confined to the base late Monday, a base statement said.
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