2 pilots killed Saturday in Marine helicopter crash near Yuma

PHOENIX — Two pilots were killed Saturday night when their helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Yuma, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.

The pilots were flying an AH-1Z Viper helicopter as part of a weapons and tactics instructor course when it crashed around 8:45 p.m.

Officials said Monday that the victims were 34-year-old Major Matthew M. Weigand of Ambler, Pennsylvania, and 30-year-old Captain Travis W. Brannon of Nashville, Tennessee.

Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Tuesday to honor Weigand and Brannon.

The Marine Corps said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

A spokesman for the Yuma Marine Corps Air Station said the crash occurred on the station’s vast training grounds.

The station is located about 2 miles from Yuma and the 1,300 square mile training ground is one of the world’s largest military installations.

Arizona lawmakers offered condolences to the pilots’ families.

Absolutely tragic. My heart breaks for these Marines and their families. https://t.co/pShcXbF0sb

— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) March 31, 2019

Thinking of all our brave service members and their families tonight. https://t.co/cIEOVsbRWx

— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) March 31, 2019

Two Marines in Yuma, AZ were killed last night in a helicopter crash. While we await more details, please join me in praying for the victims’ family and loved ones at this time. https://t.co/F3mNuykevK

— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) March 31, 2019

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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