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Nine missing after US air crash Nine missing after US air crash
(30 minutes later)
A search is under way for nine people missing after a US Coast Guard plane and a military helicopter crashed off the coast of southern California.A search is under way for nine people missing after a US Coast Guard plane and a military helicopter crashed off the coast of southern California.
The collision is believed to have happened 16 miles (27km) east of San Clemente Island.The collision is believed to have happened 16 miles (27km) east of San Clemente Island.
A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said a pilot reported seeing a fireball near the area.A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said a pilot reported seeing a fireball near the area.
The plane - reported to be a C-130 aircraft - is believed to have had seven people on board.The plane - reported to be a C-130 aircraft - is believed to have had seven people on board.
The Marine Corps said the other aircraft was an AH-1 Cobra attack type. The Marine Corps said the other aircraft was an AH-1 Super Cobra attack type.
Coast Guard spokeswoman Allyson Conroy said the crash happened at about 1910 (0210 GMT).Coast Guard spokeswoman Allyson Conroy said the crash happened at about 1910 (0210 GMT).
Cpl Christopher O'Quin, a spokesman for the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station said the helicopter belonged to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Camp Pendleton. Cpl Michael Stevens, a spokesman for the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, said the helicopter belonged to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Camp Pendleton.
A number of helicopters and navy vessels are being used in the search.A number of helicopters and navy vessels are being used in the search.