A military cargo helicopter made an emergency landing and crashed-landed in Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside California. The aircraft burst into flames and luckily, everybody onboard escaped with no injury.
Footage captured still showed the helicopter burning heavily, though the area have been cordoned off by authorities and emgernency responders. Traffic authorities also warned of delays along interstate 5 where it happened.
Video below:
According to James Estillore, a representative for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Communication Strategy and Operations, the downed helicopter was a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion owned by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The rep revealed that the helicopter issued a mayday call around 4pm due to an engine fire mid air during a training. Thankfully, the pilot was able to successfully land at a designated zone at the US Marine Corps base near the Aliso Creek Rest Area along the northbound side of the I-5 Freeway.
Major Natalie Batcheler however told NBC that it was not a crash but a mishap.