Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 09 Nov 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 584
Accident case number: 681109091 Total loss or fatality Accident
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 228554
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 HOLLY RF
P W1 POWELL WA

Accident Summary:

Aircraft UH-1, 67-17418 and crew were assigned a mission to make a VIP passenger pickup at Da Nang main airfield and return to Marble Mountain airfield. At approximately 0915 hours, the aircraft took off with six passengers aboard and 600 pounds of fuel. The available fuel was more than enough for the anticipated 20 minutes flying time required for this mission. As there were several rain showers in the area and a low ceiling, the aircraft commander requested and received a special VFR clearance from Marble Mountain to Da Nang main airfield. At some time almost immediately after takeoff, the "T" head bolt on the clamp assembly failed allowing the clasp assembly to vibrate loose and the main fuel filter bowl to separate from the filter seat. System fuel pressure forced fuel out of this separation. Entering the traffic pattern at Da Nang main, the aircraft commander noted 400 pounds of fuel remaining prior to the "20 minute fuel" warning light coming on and decided to return to Marble Mountain. Maintenance facilities are available at Marble Mountain and duration of flight to return was approximately 5 minutes. The heavy smell of fuel fumes confirmed the aircraft commanders conclusion that there was a fuel leak even though there was no discernable exterior fuel leakage. After setting down at Marble Mountain airfield, the density of the fumes apparently was touched off by contact with the engine exhaust. JP-4 fuel fumes have a low flash point. The extent of fire damage to the tail boom indicates that the fuel was carried back into the tail boom while the aircraft was in flight. Immediate shutdown of the helicopter cut off the fuel system pressure, however approximately 150 to 175 pounds of fuel apparently was trapped in the inner compartments and the tail boom when the fumes flashed into fire. The rapid reaction time of the fire fighters precluded further damage to the airframe.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 19 Feb 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,011
Accident case number: 690219361
Unit: 71 AHC
This was Operational Minor Damage caused by an accident by Accident with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Casualties = NO . . Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
costing 20660
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.
Helicopter was recovered

Crew Members:
AC W1 BAILEY RE
P W1 ALEXANDER BK

Accident Summary:

Aircraft UH-1H 67-17416 and crew were assigned to the command and control mission for the 2/1 Infantry on the day of the accident. At approximately 1725 hours, the aircraft made an approach to the concrete VIP pad at Landing Zone Ross. On board the aircraft were three passengers and a scout dog plus approximately 800 lbs of fuel. The pilot approached the pad into the wind and terminated briefly over the edge of the pad. Evidence shows that he then made a hard landing, collapsing the right side of the forward crosstube and twisting the right main beam. The aircraft then pitched forward breaking the right chin bubble. A possible malfunction of the intercom system may have contributed to the extent of damages incurred in the mishap, however, a post accident inspection by the investigating officer disclosed no evident malfunction.

This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 28 May 1969
Description:
This was Combat Minor Damage while on the ground by Rocket with the mission function of Parked in an unprotected location
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 27 Aug 1969
Description:
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 16 May 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,173
Accident case number: 700516041
Unit: E/82 ARTY 1 CAV
This was Operational Incident Damage caused by an accident by Accident with the mission function of Logistics Cargo
The station for this helicopter was Phouc Vinh in
Casualties = NO . . Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
costing 6200
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.
Helicopter was recovered

Crew Members:
AC O2 EVANS JC

Accident Summary:

Dur T/O blades struck tree RPM bled slightly RPM came back to normal acft flown to home base icdt dmg

This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 10 Jan 1969
Description:
Unit: 23 INF
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 28 Feb 1969
Description:
Unit: 23 INF
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 12 May 1969
Description:
Unit: 23 INF
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 09 Jun 1969
Description:
Unit: 23 INF
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Visual Reconnaissance
Casualties = YES . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 21 Aug 1969
Description:
Unit: 23 INF
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire .50 cal to 20 mm in size with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = YES . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 25 Mar 1970
Description:
Unit: 71 AHC
This was Combat Minor Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 24 Apr 1970
Description:
Unit: 71 AHC
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 30 Apr 1970
Description:
Unit: 71 AHC
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Combat Troop Carrier (missions assigned to an aircraft to deliver troops, supplies or equipment in a combat area in support of tactical field operations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 20 May 1970
Description:
Unit: 71 AHC
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = YES . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 24 May 1970
Description:
Unit: 71 AHC
This was Combat Incident Damage caused by Other Combat by Ground Fire less than .50 cal in size with the mission function of Command and Control (missions assigned to an aircraft for the primary purpose of airlifting a commander or staff in control of tactical operations or for radio relay stations)
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 23 Aug 1970
Description:
Unit: 71 AHC
This was Operational Minor Damage caused by an accident by Accident with the mission function of
Casualties = NO . .
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center AVDAC database.
Helicopter was recovered
This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Date: 09 Jul 1971
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 3,096
Accident case number: 710709141
Unit: C/229 AVN
This was Operational Major Damage caused by an accident by Accident with the mission function of Logistics Cargo
The station for this helicopter was Bien Hoa in
Casualties = NO . . Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 4
Search and rescue operations were Not Required
costing 133604
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.
Helicopter was recovered

Crew Members:
AC O3 FIELD JC
P W2 DUNLAP ER
CE E4 CATE LN
G E4 RUSHING PE

Passengers:
E6 GJ COREY, PAX, G; E6 HB WILKES, PAX, G; E6 WL WERNILI, PAX, G; E7 FM ABAD, PAX, G;


Accident Summary:

Aircraft was on a logistics mission. The aircraft was on its third turn around from FSB Pecos. The aircraft commander had a good hover check at 96 percent N1 and 37 lbs of torque. The aircraft departed FSB Pecos at approximately 1620 hours with the first pilot, Dunlag, at the controls. The aircraft proceeded to the landing zone and instruments were working properly with no sign of a control malfunction. The first pilot initiated his approach and was established on a 1/4 mile final with a heading of approximately 230 degrees. The first pilot made a gradual deceleration to stop in the landing zone and was approximately 30 feet above the ground and at 5 to 10 knots of airspeed when he experienced a full application of left antitorque pedal which did not serve to stop the right turn of the aircraft. This same landing direction had been used in the two previous landings and when the wind shift occurred at 50 feet agl for the aircraft, the change was not apparent to the crew members. The smoke grenades ignited in the landing zone prior to the approach indicated no radical change in wind direction or velocity. The aircraft commander took the controls from the first pilot as the aircraft began to turn in the landing zone. The aircraft commander then decided to attempt to go around because of the number of personnel gathered in the landing zone waiting to unload the aircraft. As he applied power he increased the turning motion of the aircraft and did a 360 degree turn before he raised the aircraft almost above the tree tops. The aircraft's departure path from the intended landing zone was approximately 180 degrees, and just after the aircraft cleared the landing zone its tail rotor struck a tree and rendered the aircraft almost uncontrollable. During his move from the intended landing zone to his final landing site, the aircraft commander experienced decaying rotor and engine RPM in his attempt to keep the aircraft above the trees. The aircraft was still turning at approximately 50 feet while CPT Field maneuvered the aircraft between the trees and as the aircraft turned another 90 degrees the main rotor was striking a number of trees, as the aircraft turned another 90 degrees the tail rotor struck a tree with a diameter of approximately 18 inches. The tail rotor blades and 90 degree gear box came off the aircraft with the force applied and the break in the tail boom just 2 feet behind the attaching points occurred. The aircraft's right turn was almost completely stopped by this contact and the aircraft settled almost vertically for the last 15 feet and contacted the ground in a level attitude. Both main rotor blades had continuous blade strikes from a height of 25 feet and a very hard landing occurred. Both skids were spread severely wtih the initial contact at the right front. A mount of soil penetrated the underside of the aircraft approximately one foot forward of the cargo hook well. Both main rotor blades remained on the aircraft although most of the materiel behind the leading edges of both blades was shredded away. After the ground contact there was no fire and the crew and passengers all exited the aircraft immediately.

This record was last updated on 09/12/99

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 05 May 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,403
Accident case number: 690505381
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 1
costing 17417
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 JACKSON HA
P W1 WATERBURY JA
CE UNK MENGE JD
G UNK COCKFIELD HC

Passengers:
E8 MG BISHOB, PAX, G;


Accident Summary:

Aircraft, UH-1H SN 67-17413, and crew were assigned to the mission of command and control for the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry. Prior to the accident the aircraft and crew had flown over 10 hours for the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. During this 10 hour period numerous missions of extreme emergency had been conducted by the command and control aircraft. Mr. Jackson and crew were giving assistance to a med evac aircraft when the 20 min fuel warning light came on with 300 lbs of fuel indicated on the fuel pressure gauge. After being assured that the med evac aircraft had completed the dust-off, Mr. Jackson broke station with approximately 200 lbs of fuel indicated. The aircraft was flown to LZ Professional in order to drop off the executive officer, Major Remner, for the 1/46. Mr. Jackson expeditiously started inbound for Hill 29 in order to refuel. It can be approximated that the aircraft had already flown over 10 min since the 20 min fuel warning light came on. It is approximately 15 nautical miles to Hill 29 from LZ Professional. The aircraft commander flew the aircraft at 6200 rpm and 99 knots in order to keep his fuel consumption at a minimum. About 2 miles out from Hill 29 the engine apparently stopped running momentarily. The first indication that the aircraft commander noted was that the left boost pump warning light came on. Shortly thereafter the engine quit. There was a successful autorotation to the rice fields performed. The aircraft commander managed to get off one may day call but he was not sure if the call was successful or not. Noticing that the engine was still running, the aircraft commander decided to try to make it to Hill 29. After climbing to approximately 200 feet and 70 knots, the engine quit due to lack of fuel. Once again a successful autorotation was performed. Subsequent damage occurred during landing. The aircraft was maneuvered to avoid striking a rice paddy dike with the skids. In doing so, the tail boom struck the dike causing a sudden stoppage of the tail rotor. The aircraft landed in an upright position and there was a 4 to 5 foot ground run at the time of impact. The normal procedures as far as mayday calls, evacuation, and aircraft security were employed. After negative radio contact and about 15 minutes at the crash scene, the aircraft commander had made the decision that he and one of the passengers, a master sergeant, would try to reach Hill 29, about one mile away, on foot. About the same time another aircraft from the same unit spotted the downed aircraft's distress smoke and immediately came in to make the rescue. The aircraft was secured for the remainder of the night by troops stationed at Hill 29. They used track vehicles to reach the downed aircraft and remained at the location until the aircraft was recovered the following morning.

Date: 07 May 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,711
Accident case number: 700507061
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 1459
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 DOUGHTY SW

Accident Summary:

Dur t/flt pwr check conducted 3000 ft eng quit ac entered auto lnd icdt dmg \ turbine failed

Date: 29 Jun 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,844
Accident case number: 700629281 Total loss or fatality Accident
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 1 . . Injured = 1 . . Passengers = 3
costing 10248
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 MCMAHON KR
P W1 IRBY WL
CE E4 GLASCO JR
G E4 DICE DB

Passengers:
GM MECHANIC, GM, G; X2 UNKNOWN, OGY, D; X2 UNKNOWN, OGY, A;


Accident Summary:

On the morning of 29 June 1970 at approximately 0830 hours, aircraft 413 departed Chu Lai enroute to Duc Lai enroute to Duc Pho for a combat assault with the 174th Assault Helicopter Company. After receiving a mission briefing, they departed Duc Pho in a formation flight and flew to the PZ which was LZ Dragon. After picking up eight (8) ARVN troops and reaching the intended LZ, the flight broke down into flights of two. aircraft 413 flew in the Bravo Flight trail position. He and his lead aircraft made their approach into the LZ and terminated at a hover. As WO McMahon hovered in the LZ, the gunner and crew chief continually checked the tail rotor for obstacle clearence. (see tab d) After the eight ARVN troops had jumped from the aircraft, 413 hovered in the LZ waiting for Bravo lead to take off. Suddenly a loud noise was heard from the rear of the aircraft and they immediately began a spin to the right. After spinning 90 degrees, WO McMahon rolled off the throttle and the aircraft continued to spin for another 270 degrees before settling to the ground. As the aircraft settled to the ground, the right skid struck one of the ARVN soldiers and he was fatally injured. (see tab d) WO McMahon completed emergency shut down procedures and exited the aircraft. The aircraft landed upright with negative damage to the skids or fuselage.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 16 Aug 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,042
Accident case number: 700816051
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 3000
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC O2 STANAT CJ
P W1 GRUBBS PL
CE E4 CLARY RL
G E4 BOTTJER RC

Accident Summary:

Climbing out of Kham Duc at 60 knots 1500 ft AGL, heading of 300 degree. The aircraft suddenly yawd to the left and right, at this time the main generator warning light came on, then the aircraft yawed once more to the left and right. With loss of rotor RPM. AC then made 180 degree autorotation to a small area, at the termination of the autorotation the tail rotor hit the ground, turned 90 degree to the right and came to rest without further damage to the aircraft.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

No records found.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 24 Mar 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 815
Accident case number: 690324291
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 1
costing 47303
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 JOHANNSEN SB
P W1 JACKSON DR
CE E4 REED GR
G E4 BROOKS SC

Passengers:
UNK UNK, GM, G;


Accident Summary:

Aircraft, UH-1H, SN 67-17313, and crew were assigned to the mission of command and control for the Fifth Special Forces at Da Nang. They were inbound for the Fifth Special Forces pad, 2 miles out for landing when the aircraft had the engine failure. They had descended from an altitude of 3500' and were flying low level in order to clear Da Nang's control zone. At the time of the accident the pilot was at the controls and the aircraft commander was making the appropriate radio calls for landing at the Fifth Special Forces pad. The pilot successfully autorotated the aircraft to a rice paddy after several applications of collective had been applied to clear unsuitable landing areas. Upon touchdown the aircraft struck an obscured dike and caused severe damage to said aircraft. Subsequent damage resulted. The arrcraft came to rest after a short ground run in an upright position. The forward air speed at the time of the impact was approximately 10-15 kts.

Date: 05 Jan 1971
Description:
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: WT096322
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Also: VNAF (South Vietnamese Air Force. )
Loss to Inventory

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 21 Jan 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,541
Unit: 92 AHC
Laos
UTM grid coordinates: XD422375
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: 15 Aug 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,683
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT176226
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: 02 Oct 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 634
Incident number: 68100202.KIA
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT479112
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 1LT WASHBURN FRED ZIMRI KIA
P WO1 SHERIN JOHN C III KIA
CE SP4 WESTER DONALD LEE KIA
G SP4 WALSH ALLAN RAY KIA

Passengers and/or other participants:
SP4 SMIDSTRA CHARLES RICHARD, AR, PX, KIA

Aircraft Assignment History