Maintenance error, wrong decision by crew lead to fatal UH-1Y crash

On Jan. 23, a UH-1Y crashed near Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, killing both crew members on board. An investigation into the accident found that the fatal accident could be avoided.

Photo: DoD

A new filter cover was not properly installed and it lead to massive fluid loss during the flight. The crew then made an error by diagnosing the problem as a wrong indication from a faulty oil pressure gauge.

The flight manual requires the crew to make a precautionary landing within 15 minutes of a warning of low oil pressure. Investigators said both pilots could have made it to Palm Springs or Yucca Valley airports during that time.

Unfortunately, the helicopter later went into a vertical dive as it approached Twentynine Palms. Both pilots died from their injuries.

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