A Marine who mysteriously fell from the cargo door of an Osprey till-rote craft during a training mission was found dead, military authorities said on Wednesday.
It’s not clear how the Marine, who hails from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in Cherry Point, N.C., could fall from the craft mid-flight. Others aboard didn’t even notice he was gone for several moments — something else that’s leaving investigators puzzled, NBC News reported.
“We did not learn of his fall immediately, and we are not sure why,” 1st Lt. Hector Alejandro told NBC News. “It’s going to be investigated. It is unfortunate the length of time it took, and honestly we don’t know how long that was.”
The Marine’s body was found near the Bladen County town of White Lake, after 100 Marines went on a search mission using 10 helicopters, NBC News reported,.
The Osprey had been performing “touch and go” training maneuvers. That’s when the pilot lands and takes off, without even coming to a full stop. The cargo door stays open during the exercise, but Marines are supposed to be tethered during the entire operation.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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