Marine helicopter catches fire but lands safely

IMPERIAL, Calif. (AP) — The military says a Marine helicopter caught fire during training at a Southern California base but the crew landed safely.

The CH-53E Super Stallion was on a routine training mission at about 1 p.m. Thursday at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar when flames broke out.

The chopper made a safe emergency landing at the Imperial County Airport, where firefighters put out the flames.

The helicopter, which typically carries a crew of four, is attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.