Marines Investigating Copter Collision
- Share via
Marine investigators on Sunday sifted through the wreckage of a CH-46 Sea Knight that collided with another helicopter, killing two Marines from Orange County in the desert east of Reno.
“They’ve been at the crash site since 6 (Sunday) morning . . . but they have no conclusions at this time,” said Capt. Katie Haddock, a spokeswoman at the Fallon Naval Air Station in Nevada.
Investigators from the Aircraft Mishap Board are expected to continue their examination today of the wreck, which also injured seven.
A morning Mass at the Naval Air Station was dedicated Sunday to the two women who died, Sgt. Brenda L. Schroeder, 29, a mother of four, and Cpl. Lisa D. Tutt, 22, both of Santa Ana. A memorial service has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m. today at the Naval Air Station.
The two helicopters from El Toro’s Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764 had flown to Fallon a week ago to participate in a 14-day exercise nicknamed “High-Roller.” They were at about 1,000 feet in a tactical formation and the skies were clear when the accident occurred.
The helicopters were not involved in the “High-Roller” exercise when the accident occurred, a Marine spokesman said.
The Marines were on their first “indoctrination flight” in a CH-46 at the time of the accident.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
