Helicopter CH-47A 66-19011
Information on U.S. Army helicopter CH-47A tail number 66-19011
The Army purchased this helicopter 1166
Total flight hours at this point: 00000266
Date: 09/23/67
Unit: 242 ASHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Logistics Support mission for Resupply , Sling Loading.
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was Landing at 1800 feet and 085 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)
Systems damaged were: FUEL SYS, MAIN ROTOR SYS, STRUCTURE
The self sealing fuel tank developed a leak.
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, 07209,
CH47, JSIDR (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report. )
Information on U.S. Army helicopter CH-47A tail number 66-19011
The Army purchased this helicopter 1166
Total flight hours at this point: 00000760
Date: 07/23/68
Incident number: 680723241ACD Accident case number: 680723241 Total loss or fatality Accident
Unit: 242 ASHC
This was a Accident incident.
The station for this helicopter was Cu Chi in South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: XT675145
Number killed in accident = 7 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 2
costing 1486037
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 WO1 WERNIG RANDY RICHARD KIA
P CW2 DUER THOMAS WADE KIA
CE SP5 SEIDEL DONALD WILLIAM KIA
G SP4 MATHER HARRY MICHAEL KIA
FE SP5 DEESE DANNY EUGENE KIA
Passengers:
CPT MITCHELL DAVID GEORGE, AR, PX, KIA;
PVT ROUSSEAU RICHARD LEE, AR, PX, KIA;
Accident Summary:
The aircraft was engaged in a resupply mission. The aircraft was operating on a single ship mission and had refueled approximately 20 minutes prior to the crash. One sortie from Cu Chi to a field location had been completed since refueling, and the aircraft was returning for a second sortie. A tape recording obtained from the tower monitor, Cu Chi tower, revealed no unusual transmissions. Normal clearance for approach and landing at Cu Chi, east POL point were given. No distress or unusual communications were heard by other aircraft monitoring the tower frequency. Twelve seconds time lapsed between the time the tower gave final clearance until a screeching noise came over the air. The noise is believed to be the radio equipment on board the aircraft shorting upon impact. The pilot did not acknowledge his final clearance from Cu Chi tower; however, just prior to impact the transmission "roger" came over the FM frequency in a calm tone, which was monitored by SP4 Williams, resupply rigger. Williams recognized the voice as that of the pilot with whom he had talked, approximately one minute earlier. It is believed that the pilot was rogering Cu Chi tower but had mistakenly transmitted over FM. It is the conclusion of the board that the pilot had no warning of failure. Witnesses interviewed were first attracted to the accident by a loud "pop and clapping noise." At this time the aircraft was at approximately 150 - 200 feet absolute altitude. Attitude at this time was normal as viewed by three CH-47 qualified aviators observing the aircraft. The pilot of the aircraft in traffic behind 011 reported to the board that the front rotors were turning slightly less than normal and the aft rotors appeared to be close to a stop. Shortly thereafter, the aft pylon was seen separating from the main part of the fuselage. Upon separation, the aft pylon rolled to the right, away from the fuselage and fell to the ground. A small bright flame was seen on the fuselage at the place of separation. The main section of the fuselage then turned approximately 120 degrees to the left and struck the ground tail low. The attitude of impact is substantiated by damage to engine tail cones. Small parts were observed flying from the aircraft prior to impact. Flame quickly engulfed the fuselage
This record was last updated on 09/20/98
The following is crew member information for this incident:
Name: SP5 Danny Eugene Deese
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 07/23/68 while performing the duty of Flight Engineer.
Age at death: 19.0
Date of Birth: 07/29/49
Home City: Tampa, FL
Service: regular component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 242 ASHC
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Service: U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 51W-038
Short Summary: Transmission failure on short final into POL at Cu Chi.
Aircraft: CH-47A tail number 66-19011
Service number: 12886697
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 67A10 = Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: unknown
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: crew member
Started Tour: 10/24/67
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - other aircrew
Length of service: 01
Location: Hau Nghia Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Non-hostile - died of other causes
single male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Baptist - other groups
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: non-battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: enlisted personnel
This record was last updated on 06/06/96
Name: SP4 Harry Michael Mather
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 07/23/68 while performing the duty of Gunner.
Age at death: 23.6
Date of Birth: 12/08/44
Home City: Gallup, NM
Service: regular component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 242 ASHC
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Service: U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 51W-042
Short Summary: Transmission failure on short final into POL at Cu Chi.
Aircraft: CH-47A tail number 66-19011
Service number: 18622489
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 67A10 = Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: fire or burns
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: door gunner
Started Tour: 02/28/68
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - other aircrew
Length of service: 06
Location: Hau Nghia Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Non-hostile - died of other causes
single male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Presbyterian
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: non-battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: enlisted personnel
This record was last updated on 07/28/94
Name: CPT David George Mitchell
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 07/23/68 while performing the duty of Passenger.
Age at death: 29.1
Date of Birth: 05/31/39
Home City: Erie, PA
Service: IN branch of the regular component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 4 BN 9 INF 25 INF
Major organization: 25th Infantry Division
Service: IN branch of the U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 51W-042
Short Summary: Transmission failure on short final into POL at Cu Chi.
Aircraft: CH-47A tail number 66-19011
Service number: O92720
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 4010 = 40 Supply Staff Officer (G4, S4)
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: passenger
Started Tour: 03/02/68
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - non-aircrew
Length of service: 06
Location: Hau Nghia Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Non-hostile - died of other causes
married male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Roman Catholic
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: non-battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: officer
This record was last updated on 08/20/95
Name: PVT Richard Lee Rousseau
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 07/23/68 while performing the duty of Passenger.
Age at death: 21.2
Date of Birth: 05/19/47
Home City: Pompano Beach, FL
Service: component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 25 AVN 25 INF
Major organization: 25th Infantry Division
Service: U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 51W-043
Short Summary: Transmission failure on short final into POL at Cu Chi.
Aircraft: CH-47A tail number 66-19011
Service number: 53578951
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 11B10 = Infantryman
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: fire or burns
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: passenger
Started Tour: 01/16/68
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - non-aircrew
Length of service: 01
Location: Hau Nghia Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Non-hostile - died of other causes
single male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Methodist (Evangelical United Brethren)
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: non-battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: enlisted personnel
This record was last updated on 08/20/95
Name: SP5 Donald William Seidel
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 07/23/68 while performing the duty of Crew Chief.
Age at death: 21.3
Date of Birth: 03/29/47
Home City: Ross Fork, MT
Service: regular component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 242 ASHC
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Service: U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 51W-044
Short Summary: Transmission failure on short final into POL at Cu Chi.
Aircraft: CH-47A tail number 66-19011
Service number: 19879953
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 67V20 = Observation/Scout Helicopter Repairer
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: fire or burns
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: crew chief
Started Tour: 03/29/68
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - other aircrew
Length of service: 02
Location: Hau Nghia Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Non-hostile - died while missing
single male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Roman Catholic
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: non-battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: enlisted personnel
This record was last updated on 07/24/94
Name: CW2 Thomas Wade Duer
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 07/23/68 while performing the duty of Pilot.
Age at death: 22.7
Date of Birth: 11/27/45
Home City: Rantoul, IL
Service: AV branch of the reserve component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 242 ASHC
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Flight class: 65-3W
Service: AV branch of the U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 51W-040
Short Summary: Transmission failure at Cu Chi with Randy Wernig on short final into POL. A/C disintegrated. On second tour.
Aircraft: CH-47A tail number 66-19011
Call sign: Muleskinners
Service number: W3152404
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 062B = Helicopter Pilot, Utility and Light Cargo Single Rotor
Primary cause: A/C Failure
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: unknown
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: pilot
Started Tour: 07/06/68
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - pilot
Length of service: 04
Location: Hau Nghia Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Non-hostile - died of other causes
married male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Methodist (Evangelical United Brethren)
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: non-battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: warrant officer
This record was last updated on 08/28/00
Name: WO1 Randy Richard Wernig
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 07/23/68 while performing the duty of Aircraft Commander.
Age at death: 22.9
Date of Birth: 08/12/45
Home City: Huntington, NY
Service: AV branch of the reserve component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 242 ASHC
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Flight class: 67-11/67-13
Service: AV branch of the U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 51W-046
Short Summary: Transmission failure on short final to POL at Cu Chi with Thomas Duer. A/C disintegrated. Williams was flight school roommate.
Aircraft: CH-47A tail number 66-19011
Call sign: Muleskinners
Service number: W3157457
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 062B = Helicopter Pilot, Utility and Light Cargo Single Rotor
Primary cause: A/C Failure
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: weapons
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: pilot
Started Tour: 01/16/68
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - other aircrew
Location: Hau Nghia Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Non-hostile - died of other causes
married male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Baptist - other groups
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: non-battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: warrant officer
This record was last updated on 08/28/00
The following is Goldbook
information on US Army helicopter CH-47A tail number 66-19011
It is provided here as an ESTIMATE of the history of this helicopter
and is not intended to be the final authority.
This helicopter was purchased by the US Army in 1166.
Please provide any additional information on this helicopter to the VHPA.
DATE FLT HRS UIC UNIT AREA POST COUNTRY
6611 0 0 W0MAAA DIR FOR MAINT 1ST ARMY NEW CUMBERLAND SUPMACOM
6612 1 1 W0MAAA DIR FOR MAINT 1ST ARMY NEW CUMBERLAND SUPMACOM
6701 54 55 WC5HAA 177AVNCO MEDHEL 3RD ARMY FORT BENNING 3RD ARMY
6702 18 73 WC5HAA 177AVNCO MEDHEL 3RD ARMY FORT BENNING 3RD ARMY
6703 53 126 1595 POST SUPPLY 6TH ARMY FORT ORD 6TH ARMY
6704 28 154 1595 ARMY AVN DIV 6TH ARMY DUGWAY PG TEVALCOM
6705 29 183 1595 ARMY AVN DIV 6TH ARMY DUGWAY PG TEVALCOM
6706 21 204 1595 USARV FLT DET VIETNAM RVN
6707 0 204 1595 USARV FLT DET VIETNAM RVN
6708 0 204 3300 BELL HCPTR BAILMENT FT WORTH AVCOM
6709 62 266 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6710 0 266 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6711 17 283 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6712 32 315 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6801 151 466 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6802 83 549 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6803 35 584 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6804 78 662 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6805 58 720 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6806 40 760 WDYDAA 242 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
Please send additions or corrections to:
Gary Roush
43 Overbrook Road
Painted Post, NY 14870
Send comments and questions to Gary Roush at webmaster@vhpa.org
Printed from databases on:
03/05/01
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