Marine pilot killed in Califronia desert training exercise identified
A -year-old U S Marine Corps pilot based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar who died in a training crash last week was identified as a California native Maj Tyler R Braconi died when the AH- Z Viper he was piloting went down around p m Thursday in Imperial Gables a remote area east of Glamis in Imperial County functionaries explained The AH- Z Viper a twin-engine attack helicopter is part of the rd Marine Aircraft Wing Related Articles California-bound United Airlines flight diverted after midair windshield crack Marine helicopter pilot killed during training exercise in California desert Helicopter wreckage removed from California crash site hurt in California helicopter crash caught on video Helicopter pilot in Huntington Beach crash is famous for his daring maneuvers Leaders revealed that at the time of the crash the crew were conducting routine flight operations in help of the weapons and tactics instructor subject Braconi and the other pilot were taken to a hospital where Braconi died His hometown information was not circulated other than being a native of California The other pilot was taken to Desert Regional Clinical Center in Palm Springs and had stable vital signs as of Friday An updated condition was not circulated Monday Braconi became a decorated officer after joining the Marine Corps in He attained the rank of major in and received a Sea Amenity Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Global War on Terrorism Operation Medal and the National Defense Facility Medal He had previously deployed with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron and had also served as an exchange pilot to the Australian Army Our the greater part valued asset is our people the individual Marine and Tyler was one of the greats declared Lt Col Christopher Hart of HMLA- We mourn the loss of a Gunfighter brave aviator and leader that served our nation with humility strength and purpose The cause of the crash remains under review No other details were right away available
