IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. — The U.S. Marine Corps has identified the pilot killed in last week’s AH-1Z Viper helicopter crash in Southern California as Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, a decorated Marine aviator and California native stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.
Maj. Braconi was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 (“Gunfighters”), Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. He was conducting a routine training flight on the evening of October 16, 2025, in support of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course when the helicopter went down around 7:05 p.m. near Imperial Gables, a remote desert area east of Glamis.
The AH-1Z was carrying two pilots at the time. Braconi was transported to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, California, where he was pronounced dead. The second Marine pilot, whose name has not been released, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and was reported in stable condition following the crash.
“This tragic loss hits deeply,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Hart, commanding officer of HMLA-369. “We join the family of Maj. Tyler Braconi in mourning the unimaginable loss of a loved one. Our most valued asset is our people, the individual Marine, and Tyler was one of the greats. We mourn the loss of a ‘Gunfighter,’ a brave aviator and leader that served our nation with humility, strength, and purpose. Our focus is supporting Tyler’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Commissioned into the Marine Corps in May 2012, Braconi quickly distinguished himself as both a leader and a pilot. He was promoted to the rank of major in June 2022, and had previously served with HMLA-267, including a deployment overseas, and as an exchange pilot with the Australian Army — a rare assignment reserved for top-performing aviators.
Over his 13 years of service, Maj. Braconi earned multiple honors, including the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
The Marine Corps has not released further details about the cause of the mishap, citing the ongoing investigation. Officials noted that aviation accident investigations can take several months to complete as they evaluate mechanical, environmental, and human factors.
The Wingman Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the families of fallen Naval and Marine Corps aviators, has established a memorial fundraiser for Maj. Braconi and those affected by the tragedy. According to the organization, “100% of all donations will go directly to those affected.”
Donations to support Maj. Braconi’s family and squadron can be made through The Wingman Foundation’s website: wingmanfoundation.org
Maj. Braconi’s loss marks another painful reminder of the dangers inherent in military aviation training — even in peacetime. Each exercise, whether in the skies over California or the deserts of Arizona, carries the weight of risk accepted willingly by those who choose to serve.
The “Gunfighters” of HMLA-369, who fly the Marine Corps’ attack and utility helicopters, have a storied legacy of combat and training excellence. For them, Maj. Braconi will be remembered not only as a skilled pilot but as a leader whose humility and strength reflected the best of Marine Corps aviation.
As Lt. Col. Hart said, “Our people are our greatest asset — and Tyler was one of the greats.”
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