More detail on this person: I just heard on
the news that Jim Harrison was killed in a
helicopter crash. He was an instructor at Sky
Helicopter's in Garland, TX. He was a Vietnam Vet
and, I believe, a member of VHPA.
I have flown with him a few times as my wife has
been treating me to an annual helicopter flying
experience for my birthday. He was a super nice
guy and a former middle school band instructor
(read Patience) for Dallas ISD. It surprises me
completely that initial reports indicate that it
appears to be a wire strike from flying low-level
reported by his 40 year old student who is
recovering.
From: Ron Leonard
NTSB Summary
CW2 James W. Harrison III (Army Aviator and
Vietnam Veteran) age 54 of Dallas, TX, Employed
by Sky Helicopter
Killed in Robinson R22 during confined area and
pinnacle flight training at mid day in good
weather when the crew saw unmarked wires across
the river attempted a pitch-up and turn avoidance
maneuver followed by wire strike on the main mast
cowling and tail rotor failure resulting in crash
into the river bank and forest terrain along the
Trinity River near Garland TX. He died 03 Nov
2001.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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