Military aircraft Camp Pendleton I-5
Smoke from the burning helicopter at Camp Pendleton as seen from Interstate 5. (Photo courtesy of CHP Oceanside via X)

The crew of a military helicopter flying out of Camp Pendleton escaped unharmed after making a fiery emergency landing Friday alongside Interstate 5.

The chopper touched down in an open area west of the freeway and north of the Aliso Creek Rest Area on the grounds of the Marine base at about 4 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Despite the fire, an unknown number of personnel aboard the aircraft were able to get out safely, CHP public-affairs Officer Hunter Gerber said.

It was not clear what caused the emergency, which led to heavier-than-usual traffic along I-5, as motorists slowed to look at heavy smoke billowing from the burning helicopter.

“Please use caution and expect delays in the area,” the CHP posted on social media.

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