U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar made an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton, California, after an engine fire broke out midflight on Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m., as per reports. The crew of four safely exited the helicopter, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft belonged to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which operates out of the San Diego area.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene near Interstate 5 in Oceanside, where the helicopter caught fire upon landing. Dark smoke was visible from the area, as shown in photos and videos shared online.

All crew members were unharmed, reports say. California Highway Patrol issued warnings of traffic delays on Interstate 5, north of the Aliso Creek Rest Area, due to the incident.

The CH-53E Super Stallion is one of the largest helicopters in the U.S. military inventory and is often used for heavy lifting and transport missions. An investigation is expected to determine the cause of the engine fire.