Authorities are investigating a fire on board a CH-53E Super Stallion that caused the crew to evacuate.

The helicopter, assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, was conducting routine operations at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, on Friday, Aug. 22 when the fire broke out, resulting in a ground mishap, according to a statement provided to Marine Corps Times on Monday.

The fire, captured briefly on video and shared on social media , shows the grounded helicopter engulfed in smoke and flames.

“At approximately 1:10 p.m. PDT Aug. 22, 2025, a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing experienced a ground mishap due to a fire onboard the aircraft during routine operations at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Californi

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