Rattler/Firebird Association

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 02 Jul 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 886
Accident case number: 690702301 Total loss or fatality Accident
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in South Vietnam
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 3 . . Passengers = 3
costing 266578
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Army Aviation Safety Center database. Also: OPERA (Operations Report. )
Loss to Inventory

Crew Members:
AC W1 CASSANO R
P W1 PLUMB LA
CE E4 LACY WC
G E3 MAGGINIS GJ

Passengers:
MG BISHUP, PAX, G; W BLACK, PAX, D; O5 CG COVERDALE, PAX, G;


Accident Summary:

The aircraft was assigned command and control for 1/46 Infantry at LZ Professional, BT 175076. The aircraft was terminating an approach to a field location, carrying 1000lbs of fuel, 3 pax without gear, and 300 lbs of resupply. The passengers were the 1/46 commanding officer, Sergeant Major, and chaplain. The field location was a day defensive position for a CO, 1/46, BT 180035. It is also a confined area with 50′ trees. The field elevation was 1200′. Smoke was requested, however, a marker panel was layed out instead. The aircraft commander was directed to land to the east, which was into the wind. Upon terminating his approach to the tops of the trees, the aircraft commander had no response from the left pedal, as the aircraft suddenly began spinning to the right. Power settings were 6500 rpm, 95, N1, and 35 lbs of torque. (the N1 topping for that temperature was about 98%). The aircraft commander applied power in an attempt to abort the landing and gain airspeed. The aircraft continued to spin with increasing momentum, drifting from the LZ, entering a right bank, and dropping into the trees on it’s right side. The engine RPM had begun to bleed and was indicating 5200 at the time of impact. Immediately the aircraft commander switched off the fuel and tried to shut down the engine. A tree, which protruded through the belly of the aircraft in front of the right pilot’s seat and extended through the roof, was wedged against the throttle, preventing it from being rolled off. To secure the engine, Mr. Cassano sprayed the co 2 fire extinguisher into the engine inlet and exhaust area. One of the ground personnel cooled the engine with a five gallon can of kool-aid. The gunner and chaplain, who were trapped beneath the aircraft after impact were freed and then medevaced with the rest of the crew and passengers. No personnel on the ground received injuries from the accident.

Aircraft Assignment History