US military aircraft with 5 onboard crashes in California
US Military aircraft MV-22B | PHOTO: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Margaret Gale via 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
LOS ANGELES — A US military aircraft with five Marines on board crashed in southern California on Wednesday, a spokesman said.
There was no immediate word on casualties, but the military denied reports the aircraft had been carrying radioactive material when it came down near Glamis, just 20 miles (35 kilometers) from the Mexican border.
“We can confirm that an aircraft belonging to 3d Marine Aircraft Wing crashed near Glamis,” a spokesman told AFP.
“Five Marines were onboard the aircraft, and we are awaiting confirmation on the status of all members of the crew.
“Military and civilian first responders are on site. Contrary to social media rumors, there was no nuclear material on board the aircraft.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe aircraft was identified as an MV-22B Osprey based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Osprey is a so-called “vertical takeoff and landing” aircraft that has rotary wings which can be directed upward to give it the maneuverability of a helicopter, or forward to give it the range of a plane.
The US military has suffered a number of crashes with the aircraft, including an accident in Norway in March that left four Marines dead.
RELATED STORIES
4 Americans killed in US military plane crash in Norway
42 military men, 3 civilians dead in C-130 plane crash in Sulu
Black box of crashed C-130 aircraft sent to US
Taiwan air force loses another fighter, second crash in three months
