Analysis Summary:

The article's accuracy is mixed. While it mentions weather and night vision goggles as factors in the helicopter crash, attributing the ultimate cause to pilot error requires more specific verification, which is not fully supported by the provided sources. The article exhibits moderate bias by presenting a simplified narrative without delving into the complexities of the investigation.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim:** "The crash of a Marine Corps helicopter last year that killed five service members was ultimately caused by pilot error"
  • Verification Source #1: Mentions adverse weather conditions hampered finding the accident helicopter. This suggests weather was a factor, but doesn't directly support or contradict the "pilot error" claim.
  • Verification Source #2: Discusses night vision goggle training, implying their use is relevant to Marine Corps aviation, but doesn't relate to the specific crash or its cause.
  • Verification Source #3: Discusses factors causing a mission abort, including unexpected helicopter issues, but doesn't relate to the specific crash or pilot error.
  • Verification Source #4: Describes Navy safety programs, but doesn't relate to the specific crash or pilot error.
  • Verification Source #5: Describes flight and operating instructions, but doesn't relate to the specific crash or pilot error.
• Analysis:* The provided sources do not directly support the claim that the crash was "ultimately caused by pilot error." While weather and night vision goggles are mentioned as potential factors, the conclusion of "pilot error" is not explicitly verified by these sources. This could be an oversimplification or a conclusion drawn from other evidence not provided.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Verification Source #1: Supports the idea that weather was a factor in the incident, as it mentions adverse weather conditions.
• Verification Source #2: Supports the relevance of night vision goggles in Marine Corps aviation.
• Lack of Coverage:* None of the provided sources directly support the claim that "pilot error" was the ultimate cause of the crash. This is a significant gap in verification.