A Marine Corps helicopter sustained at least $2 million in damages last week when a rotor brake caught fire following maintenance.

An AH-1W Super Cobra attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 started on fire during a standard series of ground checks before a mid-morning flight on Oct. 14. The incident occurred at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. One pilot was on board, and there were no reports of injuries.

The fire broke out towards the rear of the aircraft in the aft transmission compartment, said Mike Barton, a spokesman for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The pilot was conducting the ground turn portion of the functional check flight when it caught fire, he said.

The incident was first reported by the Naval Safety Center, which classified it as a Class A mishap, signifying either military property damages of $2 million or more or the loss of an aircraft.

Investigations into the incident are now underway by the Aviation Mishap Board and Judge Advocate General.

"The full extent of the damage is still under investigation," Barton said. "The final mishap classification will not be determined until the investigation is complete."

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