GRAND RAPIDS (WOOD-AM) - The military says pilot error was to blame for a helicopter crash that killed five Marines last February, including a Comstock Park High School graduate.
Miguel Nava was on the aircraft that took off from a base outside Las Vegas.
The crew was declared missing after it failed to arrive at Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
The pilot reportedly failed to maintain safe obstacle clearance and visibility.
Crews later found the helicopter's wreckage on a mountainside near Pine Valley, California.
The commanding officer of the squadron was fired in November for exhibiting poor judgement and "was expected to exercise greater care in the performance of his duties."
Nava was an all-conference soccer player and won district and regional championships as the kicker on the football team.
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