Unfamiliar route, bad weather caused fatal helo crash

A helicopter crash in Nepal that killed six Marines was the result of the crew deciding to take the most direct route to their destination, the Marine Corps said over the weekend.

“The investigation has determined that the most probable cause of the mishap was the decision of crew, after picking up the injured civilians from a village north of Charikot, to fly the most direct route back to Kathmandu,” according to a press release from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. “The chosen course required a brief period over unfamiliar terrain with unstable meteorological conditions.”

The Marines were in Nepal helping with relief efforts after an earthquake devastated the country and killed more than 8,000 people.

In addition to the six Marines aboard the helicopter, the May crash also killed two Nepalese soldiers and five injured civilians.

Investigators believe the helicopter was covered by clouds and couldn’t see the terrain.

“It is believed that the aircraft, call sign ‘Vengeance 01’ (VE01), was enveloped by rapidly developing clouds or lifted into a cloud by rising air currents,” according to the release. “As they attempted to maneuver out of the weather conditions, they lost visual reference with the terrain and impacted the ground.”

The last communication from the helicopter was 40 minutes before the crash, according to the release. Investigators do not know for certain why the crew chose to take the direct route but believe the crew felt the injured needed urgent care.

“The Marines and Nepalese soldiers aboard VE01 showed uncompromising dedication to the humanitarian aid mission in Nepal,” the release said. “We celebrate their lives by remembering their courageous and selfless actions in the wake of natural disaster. The sacrifice they made for their respective countries will not be forgotten and our thoughts are prayers remain with their families at this difficult time.”