U.S. Marine Chopper Delivering Aid to Nepal Reported Missing After Possible Fuel Problem

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A U.S. military helicopter carrying six Marines and two Nepalese Army soldiers went missing during a mission in Nepal delivering aid to earthquake victims, U.S. defense officials said Tuesday, but so far there have been no indications that the aircraft crashed.

BREAKING: The US military confirms an American UH1 helicopter went missing while conducting humanitarian mission in Nepal

— cbsMcCormick (@cbsMcCormick) May 12, 2015

Six Marines and two Nepalese Army soldiers on missing US helicopter in Nepal, says Pentagon spokesman.

— Kristina Wong (@kristina_wong) May 12, 2015

U.S. Army Col. Steve Warren said an Indian helicopter in the air nearby at the time heard radio chatter about a possible fuel problem. He said the Huey had dropped off supplies in one location and was en route to a second site when contact was lost. He said officials are hopeful that the aircraft is simply missing because there has been no smoke or other signs of a crash.

Navy Capt. Chris Sims says the Huey was conducting disaster relief operations near Charikot, Nepal, on Tuesday, around 9 a.m. EDT.

MORE: Pentagon says 8 people aboard U.S. Marine helicopter missing in Nepal https://t.co/wY8F8VeCdx - @CBSDavidMartin pic.twitter.com/WrcRwO8qD3

— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 12, 2015

Warren said other U.S. aircraft had searched the area, but because it's now dark members of the Nepalese military are conducting the search on foot. He said they are moving toward the second aid location to see if the helicopter landed near there.

The aircraft is part of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469.

The incident is under investigation.