CRASH OF CH-46E SEA KNIGHT HELICOPTER

The CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, a twin-rotor transport manufactured by Boeing Vertol, has been involved in eight major accidents since 1980.

Sept. 3, 1987: Four Marines were killed when CH-46E crashed during night maneuvers at Camp Pendleton in northern San Diego County.

Feb. 12, 1987: Three Marines were killed when a Marine reservist CH-46E helicopter crashed in the mountains near the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

August, 1986: Eight Marines died when a CH-46 crashed into the Atlantic off Norway while taking part in a NATO exercise.

February, 1986: Two Marines were killed when their CH-46 plunged into the sea off the Philippines coast. The pilot survived.

October, 1985: A CH-46 carrying 19 Marines crashed into the Atlantic Ocean and sank shortly after taking off from the helicopter carrier Guadalcanal. Fifteen were killed.

March, 1982: A CH-46 participating in joint maneuvers with South Korean forces crashed in mountains 200 miles south of Seoul, South Korea. Three were killed.

February, 1981: Six Marines were killed when a CH-46 and a CH-53A collided over Tustin Marine Corps Helicopter Air Station. All three crew members aboard the CH-46 were killed, and three of the four aboard the CH-53A were killed.

July, 1980: Two Navy men were lost at sea when their CH-46 crashed in the Indian Ocean while on a routine supply mission. One crew member was rescued.