More detail on this person: Flotation pontoon
came off the skid and went trhough the main rotor
of a civilian helicopter flying offshore out of
Houston, TX. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023
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Place of death: Arcola, TX
He is survivored by: Daughter: Robyn (Coons)
Gaskamp, Austin, TX. As of 2007 has two
granddaughters: Ryan and Perry that I know he
would be very proud of. A stepson: Scott Carter
who now has four children that I am sure Norm
would have loved to have known and been a part of
their lives.
Norm graduated from Embry-Riddle with a degree in
Aeronautical Engineering. He had done several
different jobs after leaving the Army but knew his
first love was flying. He had only been back to
flying for a short time when a lack of routine /
needed maintenance on the helicopter he was flying
caused it to lose a rotor which came through the
door of the aircraft, hitting him in the head and
killing him instantly.
From: Myra (Coons) Wood (Norm's sister)
I have additional information to offer concerning
my cousin Cpt. Norman R. Coons. Back in 1969 in
Phuc Vinh, Vietnam, as a still wet behind the
years 20 year old WO1 Huey Pilot with Charlie 1/9,
I met Norman for his second tour as he came
aboard Alpha Troop where he became the Red
Team Leader. Later at the conclusion of a sniffer
or LRP Insertion/Extraction mission near the Fish
Hook area, we (Pink Team and Huey) gassed up in
Tay Ninh and was able to see him with his unit.
He seemed highly regarded by all. I really looked
up to him, but as distance cousins, hadn't really
know him much as an adult.
I have the complete accident report. (During long
final approach back at the base after calling in,
front right cross tube broke at hanger, float
pivoted upwards/lodged in Pilot's door frame, head
came off, rotor came through cockpit right through
Norm's seat. Witnesses stated it looked like it
blew up. Caused by missing AD inspection due to
maintenance records mistake.)
From: Nick Miller