LOS ANGELES (AP) -- With the possibility of finding survivors all but gone, the military is now focusing on what caused a Marine Corps helicopter and U.S. Coast Guard plane to collide over the Pacific.
The two aircraft collided Thursday evening as the Coast Guard was searching for a missing boater. The Marine helicopter was flying in formation with another Cobra helicopter and two transports on a nighttime training exercise.
Officials say 1st Lt. Thomas Claiborne of Parker was aboard the Marine helicopter involved in the crash. His father says Claiborne has been declared deceased.
Investigators are collecting witness statements from those aboard the three other Marine aircraft and will check to see if any distress calls were made.
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