This undated photograph shows Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, the pilot killed in the crash of an AH-1Z Viper on Oct. 16 in Imperial County in Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps)
The Marines have released the identity of the AH-1Z Viper pilot killed in a “mishap” Thursday in Southern California.
Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, from California, died in the evening incident in Imperial County, according to a statement by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
A second pilot of the two-seat attack helicopter was injured. His name has not yet been released.
The Viper was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in California.
Braconi was commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 5, 2012, according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing headquarters at MCAS Camp Pendleton. His decorations include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He previously served as an exchange pilot to the Australian Army.
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William Jurney, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, talks with Maj. Tyler Braconi, attack helicopter exchange officer with the Australian Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment, at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 25, 2023. Jurney visited to observe the capabilities of the rotation and reinforce the U.S.-Australia alliance. (Scott Smolinski/U.S. Marine Corps)
Lt. Col. Christopher Hart, the commanding officer of HMLA-369, praised Braconi’s service.
“We join the family of Maj. Tyler Braconi in mourning the unimaginable loss of a loved one,” Hart said. “Our most valued asset is our people, the individual Marine, and Tyler was one of the greats. We mourn the loss of a ‘Gunfighter,’ brave aviator and leader that served our nation with humility, strength, and purpose. Our focus is supporting Tyler’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The AH-1Z was taking part in what the Marines termed “routine flight operations” in support of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, which is hosted by Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The crash site near the remote desert community of Imperial Gables, Calif., is just northwest of Yuma.
The flight launched from MCAS Camp Pendleton. The cause of the incident is under investigation. The Marines said it will likely take several months until the outcome of the investigation is announced.
