Marine helicopter reported missing southeast of Pine Valley: Cal Fire

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A military helicopter was reported missing Wednesday morning, Cal Fire and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to FOX 5.

Cal Fire said a call came in around 2:20 a.m. reporting that the aircraft, with five people onboard, had not shown up to its destination. The last reported area of the helicopter was north of Interstate 8 and Kitchen Road, which is located southeast of Pine Valley.

SDSO said the helicopter was reportedly headed towards a military base but did not show up to its destination. Sheriffs are sending their search and rescue team out to the area.

Cal Fire crews are also assisting with search efforts. Officials told FOX 5 the area they are searching is covered in snow, which is making it hard to access.

The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed around 6:20 a.m. that the helicopter is a assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The five Marines onboard were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Creech Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Tuesday when the aircraft was reported overdue.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is coordinating search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Civil Air Patrol.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.