Camp Pendleton Marine killed in 'aviation mishap' identified

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A Camp Pendleton Marine who died in an "aviation mishap" last week has been identified, military officials said.

Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, of California, was an AH-1Z Viper helicopter pilot assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a news release Monday.

On Thursday evening, an AH-1Z Viper carrying two pilots, including Braconi, was conducting routine flight operations in support of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.

The flight left from Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton and experienced an “aviation mishap” near an unpopulated area of Imperial Gables, located near the CA-Arizona border.

Both servicemembers were taken to separate hospitals, where Braconi died while the other pilot is in stable condition.

Braconi, who commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 5, 2012, was promoted to the rank of major on June 1, 2022, according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. His decorations include the 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.

"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,’ 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," said Lt. Col. Christopher Hart, the commanding officer of HMLA-369.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.