FATAL HELICOPTER CRASHES
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The crash of the CH-53E Marine Super Stallion helicopter Thursday night was the sixth fatal accident involving the three-engine helicopter since 1984. The other five:
June 1, 1984: A CH-53E explodes and plunges into the ocean while lifting a truck from a ship moored off San Clemente Island, killing four Marines. An investigation determined that the crash was caused by vibration in the copter, triggered when a sling attachment point on the truck failed.
Nov. 19, 1984: A CH-53E hits the ground at Camp Lejeune, N.C., after its tail rotor drive system catches fire while lifting a howitzer, killing six Marines. All Super Stallions are grounded for inspection.
July 13, 1985: A CH-53E from Tustin strikes a cable and crashes in Okinawa, killing four crew members.
Aug. 25, 1985: A CH-53E from New River, N.C., crash-lands in a Laguna Hills field after an engine fire, killing one Marine.
May 9, 1986: A CH-53E crash-lands at Twentynine Palms, killing four and injuring one. Accident still under investigation.
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