A U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 crashed into San Diego Bay on the evening of Jan. 11, but fortunately all six crew members aboard emerged unharmed.
The incident occurred around 6:40 p.m. near Coronado’s Silver Strand as the crew was conducting a routine day-into-night search and rescue training exercise, focusing on rescue swimming techniques. Thankfully, due to the nature of the training, a safety boat was already on the scene and, with assistance from Federal Fire personnel, all crew members were swiftly rescued and brought ashore. Medical evaluation confirmed no critical or life-threatening injuries, and they were all released from the hospital by Saturday morning.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway, with Navy officials reassessing flight operations for HSM-41 within the next few days. Initial assessments by divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) THREE indicate the helicopter’s body remains largely intact, with minimal debris from the rotor blade and no observed fuel leaks.
Former Navy pilot and aviation attorney John Gagliano attributed the crew’s survival to their rigorous training, including exercises like the “Helo Dunker,” which simulates helicopter crashes in water and equips aircrew with the necessary skills to escape safely. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with military aviation operations, but also highlights the importance of intensive training and swift response procedures in ensuring the safety of personnel.
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