Rattler/Firebird Guestbook

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 09 Oct 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 988
Accident case number: 701009061
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 600
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 MAURER H

Accident Summary:

Aircraft terminating approach to LZ and was about to touch down, a mail bag flew up into the tail rotor blades resulting in damage to both blades. Repairs were made at the LZ and aircraft released to continue mission.

Date: 02 Feb 1971
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,288
Accident case number: 710202091
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 7200
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC O3 MARTY TJ

Accident Summary:

While extracting rangers from an extremely confined LZ the aircraft had a blade strike against a tree causing damage to the tail rotor and main rotor blades.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 07 Jul 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,056
Accident case number: 700707241 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 = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 244345
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 W2 MCCARRAGHER JC
P O2 RASCH RN
CE E4 GLASCO JR
G E4 DICE DD

Accident Summary:

At 0730 hours on 7 july 70, UH-1H, 68-16212 departed the 71st Aviation Company for a command and control and resupply mission in support of MACV personnel at Tam Ky. After a total flight time of approximately 04:45, The engine chip detector light illuminated while in flight. The aircraft commander made a precautionary landing at the nearest secure lz and examined the magnetic engine chip detector plug. Only small metal fuzz was found and the plug was cleaned and reinstalled. The aircraft was started and since the chip detector light did not come on, the aircraft commander decided to fly the aircraft back to the 71st AHC for a maintenance check. He proceeded to Tam Ky, where he shut down, and advised his mission controllers that he would have to return to Chu Lai and would not be able to complete the allotted number of hours for his mission. He was released from the mission and started the aircraft to return to Chu Lai. Again the chip detector light did not come on and the aircraft commander took off to the west, turned left, and climbed out to the southeast towards Chu Lai. (see diagram tab 9) at 300 feet agl, 60 knots, 98% N1 and 40 pounds of torque pressure there was a loud bang heard from the engine compartment. The engine failed with an immediate total power loss. Due to buildings, trees, and some wet rice paddies the aircraft commander decided to make a 180 degree autorotation from 300 feet and land in a dry rice paddy. Directional pedal control was lost during termination of the autorotation and the aircraft yawed left before making ground contact. The landing was hard enough to bend the right skid and with enough forward airspeed to roll the aircraft onto its right side. WO McCarragher completed emergency shut down procedures and all crew members exited the aircraft. A small fire in the engine compartment was extinguished by the use of sand. There were no injuries and all flight crew members were wearing nomex flight suits in addition to other required protective gear.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 23 Dec 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 362
Accident case number: 691223091
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 6230
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 CASSANO R

Accident Summary:

Lead acft ldg on rocks in tall grass syn el was dam on T/O rotor & T/R/B were dam by flying debris icdt dam.

Date: 02 May 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 866
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: AT926266
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Also: OPERA (Operations Report. )
Loss to Inventory

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 25 Sep 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 163
Incident number: 69092525.KIA
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
for Command and Control
While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 2500 feet and 075 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (12.7MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Bottom
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL, ELECTRICAL SYS
Casualties = 01 KIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted or delayed after completing some mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 00103 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report. )

Crew Members:
AC WO1 JACKSON DAVID ROLLAND KIA

Date: 20 May 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 957
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: AT890230
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Also: OPERA (Operations Report. )
Loss to Inventory

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 13 Jul 1972
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,380
Incident number: 72071333.KIA
Unit: 48 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: YD345549
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Also: OPERA (Operations Report. )
Loss to Inventory

Crew Members:
G SP4 HILL MICHAEL ALAN KIA

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 17 Oct 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 613
Accident case number: 691017231
Unit: D/3/4 CAV
The station for this helicopter was Cu Chi in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 650
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 MEADE R
P O3 TOCCO PA

Accident Summary:

Aircraft departed Cu Chi Base Camp, RVN, at approximately 1730 hours, 17 OCT 69, enroute to FSB Hampton. Shortly after departing runway 22 the controller in the tower asked them which way they would breaking on departing traffic. The aircraft commander replied they would be breaking right. The controller approved the right break and requested they expedite as there was a C-123 on runway 22 for departure. WO Meade replied he would go level. The C-123 at this time called for departure clearance and was cleared for takeoff on runway 22, being advised his traffic was a UH-1H crossing the extended center line to low level flight approximately one mile from the end of runway 22, outside the perimeter of Cu Chi base camp, cross the extended center line and proceed in a westerly direction. The aircraft was approximately 100 meters southwest of the runway extended center line still heading in a westerly direction when the C-123 started his initial roll for departure. The helicopter was out of the controllers sight approximately three fourths of a mile southwest of Cu Chi base camp, when the C-123 reached the area where the helicopter had crossed earlier. WO Meade continued in a westerly direction approximately 10 feet above the trees. At this time in the evening the sun is rather low in the western horizon and therefore was shinning directly in the eyes of the aviators. When WO Meade felt he was sufficiently clear of Cu Chi traffic, he started a climb back to his altitude. At this time he saw a small tree in his flight path which was protruding above the rest of the trees. He did not see this tree earlier due to the limited visibility caused by the glare of the sun. He attempted to avoid the tree by pulling aft and left cyclic. He hit the tree in a nose high attitude and after observing his instruments and checking the controls, determined the aircraft to be flyable. WO Meade then called Cu Chi tower and informed them of his tree strike and requested runway 04 for landing.

Date: 28 Mar 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 708
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was a Logistics Support mission for Resupply
While in Operations Area this helicopter was on the Ground at 0000 feet and 000 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 4 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (5.6MM, 7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Left Side
Systems damaged were: OIL SYS, DRIVESHAFT, FUEL SYS
The helicopter Continued Flight. Aircraft took off, fully flight capable.
The aircraft was diverted or delayed after completing some mission objectives.
Ultimate precautionary landing
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 01603 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report.)

Date: 17 May 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 875
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Also: OPERA (Operations Report.)
Loss to Inventory

Crew Members:
AC WO1 MCCARRAGHER JAMES C RES
CE SPARKS CHARLEY RES

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

No records found.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 12 Mar 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 95
Unit: 54 MED DET
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
While in PickUp Zone this helicopter was on the Ground at 0000 feet and 000 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 3 hits from:
Explosive Weapon; Non-Artillery launched or static weapons containing explosive charges. (M-79)
causing Fragmentation Damage.
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 01 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNNF, CASRP, JSIDR (Lindenmuth New Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report. Casualty Report. )

Date: 02 Jul 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 360
Accident case number: 690702051
Unit: 54 MED DET
The station for this helicopter was Unknown S. Vietnam in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 5555
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 SMITH LG
P W1 SHIMAHARA DD

Accident Summary:

While ldg in insecure area M/R blades struck very high stump icdt dam to M/R blades.

Date: 28 Sep 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 475
Accident case number: 690928051
Unit: 54 MED DET
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 2439
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 STRANDE MR
P W1 BEHR JR

Accident Summary:

While flying low level syn-el & T/R contacted hedge rows acft made 180 deg turn & ldg at LZ icdt dam

Date: 09 Apr 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 978
Unit: 54 MED DET
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
While in PickUp Zone this helicopter was on the Ground at 0000 feet and 000 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Friendly Fire. (ROCKET)
The helicopter was hit in the Left Side causing Fragmentation Damage.
Systems damaged were: UNK
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 01630, SIF (Incidents converted from the fixed-wing data base. Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report. )

Date: 15 Apr 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 978
Unit: 54 MED DET
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was a Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
While in PickUp Zone this helicopter was on Take-Off at 0050 feet and 070 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (5.6MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Right Side
Systems damaged were: UNK
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 01890 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report. )

Date: 24 Apr 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 978
Accident case number: 700424021
Unit: 54 MED DET
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 4800
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 SHIMANARA DD
P W1 PADGETT WR

Accident Summary:

While hovering over PZ M/R blades struck trees on side of hill causing icdt dmg

Date: 18 Oct 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,321
Accident case number: 701018011
Unit: 54 MED DET
The station for this helicopter was Cat Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 1
costing 130573
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 HALE GL
P O2 LIEBMANN BE
CE E3 HALL WR

Passengers:
E4 RN GARNER, M, G;


Accident Summary:

On 18 OCT 70, Chu Lai Dust Off received an urgent request for one us with a high fever. The aircraft was sent to BT418035, RVN for the pick up. The LZ was on the side of a hill. The area was level with two trees about 50m apart and 100 feet tall. CW2 Hale approached from east to west and landed to two red light without incident. The pick up was completed and CW2 Hale departed the LZ. At about 50 feet and 10 knots of forward airspeed the aircraft started loosing power and RPM. CW2 Hale initiated a turn back to the LZ as it was the only area in which to land. The aircraft struck the ground and the M/R blades contacted some trees. The tailboom was severed from the aircraft. There was no injuries and no fire. The aircraft was secured by the ground unit. The crew and patient were picked up by Dust Off 54, and he completed the mission.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 22 Sep 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 850
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
for Troop Insertation
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was on Take-Off at 0010 feet and 015 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Right Side
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 01 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted or delayed after completing some mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 00079 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report.)

Date: 17 Nov 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 899
Accident case number: 691117291
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Cat Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 2925
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC O3 SHULSEN TJ
P O2 PRATT TV

Accident Summary:

Aircraft departed Artillery Hill enroute to OP #1, with a resupply load of cargo. The cargo consisted of 13 cases of soft drinks, two rubberized water containers filled with water and 2 passengers. CPT Shulsen requested smoke on arrival at the destination and orbited the landing zone in order to evaluate the wind conditions. After determining the wind direction and velocity, CPT Shulsen initiated an approach to the single ship landing zone that was located on a pinnalce elevated 501 feet above sea level. During the final approach, the marking smoke was observed to swirl and shift rapidly causing CPT Shulsen to abort the approach and execute a go-around. He then requested that another smoke grenade be activated. After ths smoke stabilized and gave an indication of the wind conditions. CPT Shulsen commenced the second approach directly into the wind. Prior to termination, at approximately 15 feet above and 20 feet from the pinnacle, the aircraft shuddered, descended rapidly and began a slow turn to the right. Application of full collective did not check the descent. The aircraft contacted the muddy surface of the landing site and continued toward the opposite lip of the pinnalce. CPT Shulsen lowered the collective in an attempt to arrest the forward progress of the aircraft. Ground contact caused the chin bubbles to shatter and the cargo to shift forward to a position directly behind the pilots seats. CPT Shulsen and the crew exited the aircraft to discover that the aircraft had been landed in a downwind condition. The wind was no longer from the direction as indicated by the smoke grenade, but from 180 deg off the nose of the aircraft, at an estimated 10 to 20 knots velocity. The aircraft was rigged for removal and delivered to the 71st AHC flight line at Chu Lai by a CH-47 aircraft.

Date: 01 Dec 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 905
Unit: 142 TC CO
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
for Troop Insertation
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was Landing at 0015 feet and 020 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 5 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Left Side
Systems damaged were: ENGINE, TRANSMISSION
The helicopter Crashed. Aircraft is later recovered by any means other than its own power.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Additional crash damage
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 00242 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report.)

Date: 27 Nov 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,311
Accident case number: 701127022
Unit: A/158 AVN
The station for this helicopter was Camp Evans in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 1
costing 0
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC O2 RANKIN RW

Passengers:
, , G;

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 22 Sep 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 910
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was LOSS TO INVENTORY
for Troop Insertation
While in Operations Area this helicopter was on the Ground at 0000 feet and 000 knots.
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT033228
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 02 WIA . .
Aircraft Destroyed.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Destroyed by friendly forces
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: OPERA, BDART, 00114 (Operations Report. Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report. )
Loss to Inventory

Aircraft Assignment History