SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps are searching for survivors from two military aircraft that collided 15 miles east of San Clemente Island, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.

A Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, from Air Station Sacramento, was engaged in a search and rescue mission when it collided with an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, conducting a training mission.

The Navy reported to the Coast Guard that they observed what appeared to be a mid-air collision.

Coast Guard crews as well as the Navy have been searching through the night. Visibility in the vicinity of the search area is unlimited allowing for ideal search conditions.

The Coast Guard assets involved in the search are; two MH-60J Jayhawk helicopters and the Cutters Edisto and Petrel, from San Diego, along the Cutter Blackfin which is homeported in Santa Barbara, Calif.

The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Efforts are focused on the search for survivors but are also collecting debris to support the investigation.