That time Kenny Loggins Witnessed Emergency Beach Landing of a USMC CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter

That time Kenny Loggins Witnessed Emergency Beach Landing of a USMC CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter

By Dario Leone
Sep 14 2019
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“I walked out there and said, ‘You’re in the ‘Danger Zone,’” Kenny Loggins.

Taken on Apr. 15, 2015 the impressive video in this post shows a massive 100-foot-long U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter doing an emergency landing in Solana Beach in southern California.

The CH-53E from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466) based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) had to land on the beach after a low oil-pressure indicator light went on in the cockpit.

The precautionary landing came during a training exercise; there were no damages or injuries but residents, Gunnery Sgt. Donald Bohanner said, and beach-goers got to experience quite a spectacle. Four hours after landing, the helicopter took off and headed back to the Miramar base.

According to NBC 7, among the witnesses was musician Kenny Loggins, who said in a video post on Facebook that he had been out for a walk.

“I walked out there and said, ‘You’re in the ‘Danger Zone,’” he said in a reference to his hit song, which was featured in the movie “Top Gun.”

As the Marine Corps’ heavy lift-helicopter designed for the transportation of heavy material and supplies, the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is compatible with most amphibious class ships. With four-and-one-half hours’ endurance, the helicopter can move heavy equipment over rugged terrain in bad weather and at night. The MH-53E Sea Dragon fills the Navy’s need for long-range minesweeping missions, in addition to heavy-lift duties. The H-53E has consistently proven its worth to the fleet commanders with its versatility and range.

The CH-53E will be replaced by the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion.


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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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