Rattler/Firebird Guestbook

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 23 Nov 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 319
Incident number: 681123081ACD Accident case number: 681123081 Total loss or fatality Accident
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in South Vietnam
Number killed in accident = 2 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 1
costing 359914
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:
P WO1 LOFORTI PAUL ROSARIO KIA
C SP4 CLARK MICHAEL BURRISS KIA
TI SP5 CORNELL DONALD FREDERICK KIA

Accident Summary:

This flight was a test flight for a main rotor track. It was the fourth such flight performed by this pilot in this aircraft during the night of 22-23 November. On this flight the pilot took off to the northwest on runway 32. He climbed on the runway heading to an altitude of about 150 feet. Approximately one-half (1/2) kilometer from the end of the runway he made a right turn to crosswind maintaining 150 feet. He continued this course and altitude for approximately one (1) kilometer. He then started a descending right turn from which he did not recover. The turn, if completed would have positioned the aircraft on a right downwind. The aircraft struck the water and disappeared.

This record was last updated on 05/25/98

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 23 Dec 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 226
Unit: 355 AVN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was an Unknown mission
Unknown this helicopter was Unknown at UNK feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 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 Equipment Section
Systems damaged were: TRANSMISSION
Unknown impact on flight.
Unknown as to mission impact.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P2, 74555 ()

Date: 16 Feb 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 291
Accident case number: 680216131
Unit: 355 AVN
The station for this helicopter was Long Binh in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 2
costing 23312
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 GILBERT FL
P O2 PERKINS RC

Passengers:
UNK TWO, UNK, G; UNK UNK, LCO, G;


Accident Summary:

The aircraft was departing its home airfield on an emergency (scramble) combat mission. The hover out to the active was routine except that the pilot elected to use only 300 to 400 feet of the active. Take off was normal until the aircraft reached the end of the runway where a large amount of type m8a1 planking which was joined was not staked down in accordance with TB5-330-2. The rotorwash lifted the planking 2 to 3 feet where it struck the nose and left skid of the helicopter, jamming the anti-torque pedals to the point where no directional control was possible and the aircraft made two 360 degree turns and was landed with no further damage

This record was last updated on 01/05/97

Date: 29 Apr 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 554
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT548065
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: 23 Dec 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 226
Unit: 355 AVN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was an Unknown mission
Unknown this helicopter was Unknown at UNK feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 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 Equipment Section
Systems damaged were: TRANSMISSION
Unknown impact on flight.
Unknown as to mission impact.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P2, 74555 ()

Date: 16 Feb 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 291
Accident case number: 680216131
Unit: 355 AVN
The station for this helicopter was Long Binh in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 2
costing 23312
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 GILBERT FL
P O2 PERKINS RC

Passengers:
UNK TWO, UNK, G; UNK UNK, LCO, G;


Accident Summary:

The aircraft was departing its home airfield on an emergency (scramble) combat mission. The hover out to the active was routine except that the pilot elected to use only 300 to 400 feet of the active. Take off was normal until the aircraft reached the end of the runway where a large amount of type m8a1 planking which was joined was not staked down in accordance with TB5-330-2. The rotorwash lifted the planking 2 to 3 feet where it struck the nose and left skid of the helicopter, jamming the anti-torque pedals to the point where no directional control was possible and the aircraft made two 360 degree turns and was landed with no further damage

This record was last updated on 01/05/97

Date: 29 Apr 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 554
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT548065
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 Feb 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 304
Unit: 355 AVN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0500 feet and 080 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 Tail Section
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: UH1P3, 03306 ()

Date: 03 Feb 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 304
Unit: 355 AVN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
Unknown this helicopter was Attacking at 1000 feet and 080 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: MAIN ROTOR SYS
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: UH1P3, 03401 ()

Date: 15 May 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 575
Unit: 57 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 1000 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 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 Bottom
Systems damaged were: UNK
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: UH1P3, 13603 ()

Date: 09 Aug 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 746
Accident case number: 680809021
Unit: 57 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Kontum in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 900
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
P W2 PAGAN J

Accident Summary:

The aircraft was being flown from maintenance to its revetment. The left skid hooked on the top strand of concertina wire. The aircraft lost RPM and landed hard

This record was last updated on 04/17/97

Date: 11 Oct 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,250
Unit: 192 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0500 feet and 080 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 Passenger Cargo Section
Systems damaged were: TRANSMISSION
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft took off, fully flight capable.
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: UH1P3, 28401 ()

Date: 15 Nov 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,299
Unit: 192 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0500 feet and 060 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 Bottom
Systems damaged were: FLT CONTROLS, FUEL SYS, HYDRAULIC SYS
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: UH1P3, 31901 ()

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 13 Aug 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 317
Accident case number: 670813031
Unit: D/227 AVN
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 33564
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
P W2 GRUETZMAN FL
IP W2 GORDON RO
CE E4 GUINN WC
G E4 VICTORIA S

Accident Summary:

The engine would not respond to application of throttle at the termination of a simulated low side governor failure resulting in a hard landing.

Date: 22 Mar 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 842
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was Unknown at UNK feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 5 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 Tail Section
Systems damaged were: FUEL SYS
The helicopter made a Precautionary Landing. Aircraft was capable of one time 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: UH1P3, 08101 ()

Date: 16 Jun 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 935
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was LOSS TO INVENTORY
This was a Rescue and Recovery mission for Rescue of Persons
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at UNK feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT086190
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (12.7MM)
Systems damaged were: TAIL ROTOR, HYDRAULIC SYS
The helicopter Crashed. Aircraft Destroyed.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
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, UH1P3, 16703 (Operations Report. )
Loss to Inventory

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 09 Feb 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 321
Unit: B/3/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0800 feet and 080 knots.
Unknown
Helicopter took 1 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: 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: UH1P3, 04007 ()

Date: 18 Mar 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 332
Unit: HHT/3/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Recon
While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0025 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 Passenger Cargo Section
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: UH1P3, 07801 ()

Date: 23 Apr 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 396
Unit: HHT/3/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at UNK feet and 085 knots.
Unknown
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
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: UH1P3, 11403 ()

Date: 15 Jun 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 497
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0050 feet and 090 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 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: ENGINE
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft was capable of one time 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: UH1P3, 16702 ()

Date: 16 Jun 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 732
Unit: 71 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was LOSS TO INVENTORY
This was a Rescue and Recovery mission for Rescue of Persons
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at UNK feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT097246
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Explosive Weapon; Non-Artillery launched or static weapons containing explosive charges. (60MM MOR)
causing a Fire.
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 01 INJ . .
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft Destroyed.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
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, UH1P3, 16702 (Operations Report. )
Loss to Inventory

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 19 Mar 1969
Description:
Accident case number: 690319061
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 303
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 GFELLER L

Accident Summary:

ACFT WAS MAKING A RUNNING T/O & RT SKID CAUGHT ON PSP CRACKING RT SKID

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 21 Jul 1968
Description:
Accident case number: 680721031
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 7000
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W2 CARSON FL
P O2 WILLIAMS GL

Accident Summary:

Upon arrival at the destination, the loss of the left mini-gun pylon was discovered. The pilot thought that the slapping noise was the pylon vibration on the mount. When the pylon fell to the the ground it struck and killed two civilian Vietnamese

This record was last updated on 04/16/97

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 12 Feb 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 390
Unit: A/3/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0100 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 7 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 Tail Section
Systems damaged were: FUEL SYS, OIL SYS, MAIN ROTOR SYS
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft took off, fully flight capable.
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: UH1P3, 04307 ()

Date: 04 Aug 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 662
Unit: D/101 AVN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
for Close Air Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0500 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 15 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
Systems damaged were: MULTIPLE, PERSONNEL
Casualties = 01 WIA . .
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: UH1P3, 21705 ()

Date: 17 Dec 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 892
Unit: 142 TC CO
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0275 feet and 070 knots.
Unknown
Helicopter took 6 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 Engine Compartment
Systems damaged were: ELECTRICAL 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: UH1P3, 35302 ()

Date: 10 Jan 1970
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,156
MIA-POW file reference number: 1547
Incident number: 70011010.KIA
Unit: 71 AHC
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BT239141
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Reference Notes. Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Also: 1547 ()
Loss to Inventory
Crew: Capt. Herbert C. Crosby, pilot; WO George A. Howes, co-pilot; SP5 Wayne C. Allen, crew chief; and SP4 Francis G. Graziosi, door gunner

Crew Members:
G SFC GRAZIOSI FRANCIS GEORGE BNR
CE SFC ALLEN WAYNE CLOUSE RR
P CPT CROSBY HERBERT CHARLES BNR
P CW3 HOWES GEORGE ANDREWS BNR

REFNO Synopsis:
SYNOPSIS: On January 19, 1970, Capt. Herbert C. Crosby, pilot; WO George A. Howes, co-pilot; SP5 Wayne C. Allen, crew chief; and SP4 Francis G. Graziosi, door gunner; were flying a UH-1C helicopter (serial #66-739) as the flight lead in a flight of three helicopters returning from Tien Phuoc to the unit base at Chu Lai, South Vietnam. At 1300 hours, the three helicopters departed Tien Phuoc. Five to ten minutes later, due to instrument flight rules, Capt. Crosby directed the flight to change to a different flight heading. When the helicopters changed frequencies to contact Chu Lai ground control approach, radio contact was lost with Capt. Crosby and was not regained. The other two aircraft reached Chu Lai heliport, and at 1400 hours, search efforts were begun for the missing aircraft, although the crew was not found. According to a 1974 National League of Families report, George Howes survived the crash of this helicopter. The report further maintains that the loss occurred in Laos, although the coordinates place it some 40-odd miles from that country. A North Vietnamese prisoner released later reported that he had seen Howes in captivity the same month the helicopter went down. A second sighting by a villager in Phuoc Chouc (or Phouc Chau) village reported Howes and two other POWs stopped for water at his house in February, 1970, en route to Laos. Whether these reports also relate to Allen, Crosby and Graziosi, is unknown

This record was last updated on 05/25/98

Aircraft Assignment History

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 21 Dec 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 204
Unit: C/7/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was an Unknown mission
While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0150 feet and 100 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
(SECONDARY EXPL)
The helicopter was hit in the Forward area
Systems damaged were: MAIN ROTOR SYS
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: LNOF, 74546, JSIDR (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report.)

Date: 02 Jan 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 273
Unit: C/7/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Recon
While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0075 feet and 070 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 Passenger Cargo Section
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: UH1P3, 00206 ()

Date: 11 Nov 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,332
Accident case number: 691111161
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in South Vietnam
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 110181
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 ALSOP JM
P O3 DORNE JJ
CE E4 HOSS JL
G E4 CAMERON DM

Accident Summary:

Aircraft departed the 71st AHC flight line at Chu Lai. The aircraft was equipped with a M21 armament system (miniguns and rockets). The crew was instructed to refuel at Tam Ky and then escort two UH-1H's on a sniffer mission. Due to reduced visibility the crew was informed that the sniffer mission was cancelled and their new mission was to act as escort for a CA mission at 0915. The aircraft was then flown to LZ Center to join the slicks for the CA. Cover was established for the slicks by making gun runs from west to east, using left hand breaks. The runs were started at 80 knots at 1500 feet and break off occurring at 110 knots at 1000 feet. Following the second run, returning for a third, while in straight and level flight at 1000 feet and audible "pop" was heard followed by a grinding noise from the engine. The engine quit and WO Alsop, who was at the controls at the time, immediately entered autorotation. The only suitable area for landing was directly behind the aircraft. WO Alsop executed a 180 deg turn towards the area, which placed the aircraft in a downwind condition with a tailwind of an estimated 5 to 8 knots. During the autorotation, airspeed was 78 knots and the rotor tachometer indicated 350 rpm. the VSI was indicating in excess of 2000 feet per minute descent. This high rate of descent can be attributed to the load on the aircraft. Relatively little fuel had been consumed since the aircraft had been airborne for less than an hour. Also, since this was their second gun run, almost a full component of ammunition was still aboard. The ammunition consisted of 14 HE rockets (17 pound), 6000 rounds 7.62 minigun ammunition, and 3000 rounds of 7.62 door gun ammunition. The aircraft was flared at approximately 75 feet. A rice paddy dike was in the direct flight path and rotor rpm was sacrificed to glide over it. With the reduced rotor rpm, the effective lift was lost and the aircraft contacted the rice paddy surface with a forward speed of an estimated 8 to 10 knots. The viscidity of the rice paddy (4 to 6 inches of mud covered with approximately 1 inch of water) quickly reduced the forward motion of the aircraft. The sudden stoppage of forward movement caused the gear to collapse and the tailboom to rotate upward. The main rotor struck the tailboom just forward of the 42 deg gear box. Immediately the crew evacuated the ship, taking radios and all armament possible. The crew completed two may day calls on the way down and within minutes, another aircraft came to their assistance. The crew was taken to LZ Center and later back to Chu Lai.

Aircraft Assignment History