The Marine Corps identified the pilot who died in a helicopter crash on Oct. 16 while conducting routine flight operations in support of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, which is based in Yuma.

Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, a California native, was piloting the AH-1Z Viper when it crashed in an unpopulated area about 30 miles north of Yuma Proving Ground. He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and was based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California.

Braconi commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 5, 2012, and was promoted to the rank of major on June 1, 2022. His decorations include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Global War

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