The Marine Corps has recognized the pilot killed when his helicopter went down throughout a coaching flight in Southern California.
Maj. Tyler Braconi, 35, was flying an AH-1Z Viper, a twin-engine assault helicopter designed for shut air help and armed reconnaissance, when it crashed close to Imperial Gables on Oct. 16.
Braconi was a part of the Marine Mild Assault Helicopter Squadron 369, referred to as the “Gunfighters,” primarily based at Camp Pendleton. A second pilot survived and was handled at a Palm Springs hospital.
Officers say the helicopter was collaborating within the Marine Corps Weapons and Ways Teacher Course, a serious aviation coaching train, when it went down round 7 p.m. The trigger remains to be underneath investigation.
Remembering A Revered Aviator
Lt. Col. Christopher Hart, the squadron’s commanding officer, known as Braconi “one of many greats,” describing him as a courageous aviator who led with humility, energy and function.
Braconi, a California native, commissioned within the Marine Corps in 2012 and rose to the rank of main by 2022. He beforehand served with HMLA-267 and likewise as an change pilot with the Australian Army.
His decorations embrace the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 bronze stars, the International Struggle on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Nationwide Protection Service Medal.
Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commander of the Third Marine Plane Wing, stated in a press release that Braconi “made the final word sacrifice” and that the wing stands agency in supporting his household and fellow Marines.
The Marine Corps says mishap investigations can take months to finish.
