Marine pilot killed in California desert training exercise identified

A 35-year-old U.S. Marine Corps pilot based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar who died in a training crash last week was identified as a California native.

Maj. Tyler R. Braconi died when the AH-1Z Viper he was piloting went down around 7:05 p.m. Thursday in Imperial Gables, a remote area east of Glamis in Imperial County, officials said. The AH-1Z Viper, a twin-engine attack helicopter, is part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Officials said that at the time of the crash, the crew were conducting routine flight operations in support of the weapons and tactics instructor course.

Braconi and the other pilot were taken to a hospital, where Braconi died. His hometown information was not released, other than being a native of California.

The other pilot was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and had stable vital signs as of Friday. An updated condition was not released Monday.

Braconi became a decorated officer after joining the Marine Corps in 2012. He attained the rank of major in 2022 and received a 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 had previously deployed with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 and had also served as an exchange pilot to the Australian Army.

“Our most valued asset is our people, the individual Marine, and Tyler was one of the greats,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Hart of HMLA-369. “We mourn the loss of a ‘Gunfighter,’ brave aviator, and leader that served our nation with humility, strength and purpose.”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No other details were immediately available.