BAKERSFIELD, CA- According to a report released Tuesday by the Air Force, a pilot error is to blame for a helicopter crash last summer that killed an airman with ties to Bakersfield.
Tech Sergeant Mark Smith, 30, died August 5, 2013 when the chopper went down during a training mission in Okinawa.
The report shows the pilot tried to avoid a potential mid-air collision with another helicopter and misjudged the distance, plungiing the helicopter to the ground.
Three of the four crew members ejected safely. Smith was considered missing until his body was discovered the next day.
Smith joined the Air Force in 2000 after graduating from Centennial High School.
He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
Tech Sergeant Mark Smith, 30, died August 5, 2013 when the chopper went down during a training mission in Okinawa.
The report shows the pilot tried to avoid a potential mid-air collision with another helicopter and misjudged the distance, plungiing the helicopter to the ground.
Three of the four crew members ejected safely. Smith was considered missing until his body was discovered the next day.
Smith joined the Air Force in 2000 after graduating from Centennial High School.
He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.