‘Pilot error’ led to midstate marine’s death

(Undated) — An investigation into a helicopter crash in the Pacific Ocean, which killed a local U.S. Marine and 11 other Marines, pointed to pilot error as the cause of the deadly incident.

Findings that a lack of training and command problems led to the crash were contained in a report obtained by the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley, The Honolulu Civil Beat reported Tuesday.

Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller, 25, of Gardners — in Cumberland County, just over the Adams County line — was among the Marines aboard the helicopters that crashed in January during a training mission off Oahu’s north shore in Hawaii, The Evening Sun previously reported.

Also onboard was Captain Brian Kennedy of Malvern, Chester County.

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search-and-rescue operation for five days following the crash before suspending the effort.

This article is part of a partnership between WITF and the Hanover Evening Sun.