El Toro Crew Crash-Lands Copter
A Marine helicopter flown by reservists from the El Toro Marine base made a crash landing at a New Mexico military facility Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Officials at Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque said no one was hurt in the 8:50 a.m. crash and there was no serious damage to the helicopter or to property on the ground.
The CH-46 twin-rotor helicopter, usually used to transport troops and equipment, landed in a parking lot on the west side of the base, within about 50 feet of cars, said Tech. Sgt. John C. Harrison, a base spokesman. Some flying debris apparently hit nearby cars.
The four-member crew was at Kirtland on training duty in the helicopter, nicknamed the Frog, officials said. None of the crew--identified as Maj. M.W. Raimnitz of El Toro, Capt. R.S. Nibecker of Menifee, Gunnery Sgt. D.D. Goodner of Riverside and Staff Sgt. W.F. Kasey of Downey--were hospitalized or complained of pain afterward, officials said.
The cause of the crash landing was being investigated.
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