Navy Helicopter Crashes at Sea; 4 Feared Dead
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SAN DIEGO — A U.S. Navy SH-3H anti-submarine helicopter crashed into the ocean while conducting a nighttime training mission 80 miles off the coast of San Diego, apparently killing all four crewmen aboard, authorities said Tuesday.
Search crews found partial wreckage shortly after daylight, said Fred Wilson, a spokesman at the U.S. Naval Air Station, North Island.
The Navy ended the search for survivors Tuesday evening. Among those aboard were the co-pilot, Lt. (j.g.) Bean A. Patrick, 26, of Hesperia, Mich., crewman John J. Taylor, 22, of Lawrenceburg, Ind., and crewman John E. Palmquist, 22, of Columbus, Ohio. Identity of the fourth airman was withheld pending notification of relatives.
The San Diego-based chopper, operating from the aircraft carrier Ranger, was believed to be practicing search-and-rescue operations.
The helicopter was declared overdue shortly after midnight Monday when it missed a required radio check-in. The carrier launched an all-night search effort involving three aircraft and three ships, which ultimately led to the discovery of the wreckage.
The SH-3H, known as the Sea King, the Navy’s standard anti-submarine warfare helicopter, has an excellent safety record, Wilson said.
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