Rattler/Firebird Guestbook

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

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 22 Sep 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,056
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
for Troop Insertation
While in Operations Area this helicopter was on Take-Off at UNK feet and 070 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 11 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 Cockpit
Systems damaged were: MAIN ROTOR SYS, PERSONNEL, TRANSMISSION
Casualties = 01 WIA . .
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft is later recovered by any means other than its own power.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 00094 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report. )

Date: 02 Aug 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,220
Accident case number: 700802041
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 6000
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 VENEMAN JD
P W1 ARNO GD
CE E4 MADDEN JH
G E3 ARCHER RP

Accident Summary:

AC executing a verticle descent to field location misjudged clearance resulting in main rotor blades striking a small tree sustaining damage to both rotor blades. AC flew acft back to home station without further damage.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 19 Mar 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 292
Accident case number: 690319221
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 1800
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 LARD WR

Accident Summary:

Acft was on emerg med evac when the M/R blade struck a tree that was hidden by vines the M/R blade was dmg 5 in from tip

Date: 08 Dec 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 862
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was a Logistics Support mission for Resupply
While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0050 feet and 110 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 Left Side
Systems damaged were: FUEL SYS, POWER TRAIN
The helicopter Continued Flight. Aircraft is later recovered by any means other than its own power.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Ultimate forced landing
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: BDART, 00254 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report.)

Date: 19 Apr 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,245
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT155005
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

No records found.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

No records found.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 16 Jul 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 117
Accident case number: 680716011
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 HOLIFIELD R
P O2 ERICSON GL

Accident Summary:

The main rotor blades struck a tree on approach into a confined LZ.

This record was last updated on 04/16/97

Date: 11 Jan 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,216
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was a Logistics Support mission for Resupply
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was on Take-Off at 0050 feet and 110 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)
The helicopter was hit in the Main Rotor Blade System causing Spalling.
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL, MAIN ROTOR SYS, FLT CONTROLS
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, 00576 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report.)

Date: 22 Apr 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,525
Accident case number: 700422091
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 1075
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC O3 CALLAHAN MD
P O3 KUSMONT MJ

Accident Summary:

Acft yawed left at 300 ft AGL & 70 kts. AC stated eng failed. Acft was autorotated & landed with icdt dmg. \ fuel control failed

Date: 14 Jul 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,879
Accident case number: 700714151
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 2936
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 OLSON RW
P O2 RASCH RN
CE E4 GLASEE JR
G E4 DICE DD

Accident Summary:

Aircraft at operating RPM on POL pad when another aircraft hovered close by causing FOD to blow up striking main rotor blade resulting in minor damage.

Date: 08 Aug 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,991
Accident case number: 700808181
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 2106
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC O2 STANAT C
P O2 BECKER JC
CE E5 PARR GE
G E4 LONG FD

Accident Summary:

Aircraft while hovering in field LZ when two ARVN soldiers jumped off the acft at the same time on the same side causing acft to rock back and tail rotor striking a tree stump. Acft was flown back to home station for repairs.

Date: 11 Nov 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 3,191
Accident case number: 701111121
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 775
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 GARRETT KS

Accident Summary:

Aircraft, while flying straight and level at 50 feet and 110 knots airspeed, The engine failed. the AC completed a successful autorotation to a rice paddy with incident damage. The acft was recovered and looked back to home station.

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 03 Mar 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,034
Accident case number: 690303301
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 2000
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 SCHULTS JB

Accident Summary:

While ldg on pad used by CH-47 the rotor downwind caused windsock to be pulled into rotor disc the pole holding the windsock was struck by blade causing crack in leading edge.

Date: 05 Jun 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,433
Accident case number: 690605031
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 4303
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 GOEBEL R

Accident Summary:

Plt was on people sniffer msn at low level tail struck tree while topping a rise inc dam

Date: 08 Jan 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,047
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 0100 feet and 055 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 3 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 Main Rotor Blade System
Systems damaged were: FUEL SYS, MAIN ROTOR SYS
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any 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, 00569 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report. )

Date: 05 Aug 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,788
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: YC845005
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: 27 Sep 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,677
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
for Troop Extraction
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was on Take-Off at 0050 feet and 025 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 3 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: FLT CONTROLS
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, 00118 (Battle Damage Assessment and Reporting Team Report.)

Date: 21 Nov 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,819
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was LOSS TO INVENTORY
for Command and Control
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was Landing at 0002 feet and 000 knots.
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT088319
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Explosive Weapon; Non-Artillery launched or static weapons containing explosive charges. (RPG)
causing a Fire.
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 03 INJ . .
The helicopter Crashed. Aircraft Destroyed.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Burned
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, LNNF, CASRP, CRAFX (Operations Report. Lindenmuth New Format Data Base. Crash Facts Message. Casualty Report.)
Loss to Inventory

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

No records found.

Aircraft Assignment History