Official announcements or policy changes from U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CBP Pilot Killed in Helicopter Crash on Border Security Mission in Potrero, California

Dec 16, 2024, 11:15 PM

A tragic incident occurred on Monday when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter crashed near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County, resulting in the death of a CBP Air and Marine Operations pilot. The crash took place in Potrero, California, with the pilot being the sole occupant of the aircraft. The helicopter was on a border security mission at the time of the crash, which was described as an aviation mishap. The incident was confirmed by CBP and San Diego County Fire, with the latter responding to the scene near Round Potrero Road, less than eight miles north of the border. The investigation into the crash has been taken over by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.