This chopper had a landing gear issue at another base during takeoff and they did an emergency landing here, 6 miles from the old Holtville airport. They tried to make it to El Centro or Yuma but couldn't. The gear punched through the floor and tore out the electrical. It's been here since just before Vet's and they've been working on it. Had it on jack stands but today put it back on the wheels. There are 8 guys working on it and one stays the night for security. Super cool Marines and they'll let you walk right up to it and explain the systems. He told us two more were flying in around noon so we hung out and watched that. So badass!
It's about 4 miles south west or Roadrunner. Go 1 mile south to cross over the canal, make a left (south) and go 11 telephone polls. Make a right (west) and follow the trail and buggy tracks to the site. They are hoping it will be flight ready this week and they can get it out. He said they have no choice but to repair and fly it. Cannot dismantle it. This thing is 99' long. Built in 1983 and has 6000 hours on it. They retire the birds at 10k hours so this one is worth repairing.
America!
View attachment 95125