A helicopter crewman was killed and another was injured last week in a fuel tank accident at Naval Air Station North Island, officials said.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. July 30 during a "hot seat" exercise, during which crews practice refueling and inspecting an aircraft without turning off the engines, according to the Navy.
Helicopter Aircrewman 1st Class Jonathan Richard Clement and another unnamed sailor were conducting a post-flight inspection of an HH-60 helicopter when a fuel tank fell off, injuring them both, according to the Navy.
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The 31-year-old Clement was transported to UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest, where he died the following day, according to the Navy.
The second sailor was treated and released the same day with minor injuries.
Both sailors were assigned to the "Firehawks" of North Island-based Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85, according to the Navy.
Clement was an 11-year Navy veteran originally from Florida.
The cause of the incident was under investigation.
