More detail on this person: Long line caught in
tair rotor caused accident in UH-1H in Hawaii. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site:
11/02/2023
Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
From: Gary Freeman (Blueghost 68-69)
I find this email extremely hard to write but I
must inform the BlueGhost 1969 of the passing of
Gary Freeman. On May 22, 2003 while piloting a
UH-1H helicopter on the island of Kahoolawe in
Hawaii, Gary suffered mechanical failure and
crashed. The helicoper burned in a post impact
fire. It appears now, that a "longline" that was
attached to the hook became entangled in the
tailrotor with the subsiquent loss of the main
rotor blades due to "mast bumping". Gary was
recovered late yesterday afternoon and a small
ceremony was held upon his final flight to Maui.
His body was draped in the flag of our nation as
he was honored with respect from his fellow pilots
and friends and former VET'S. The Police Dept.
Chaplin held a short ceremony shortly after Gary's
arrival back at the hangar. As more information is
available I will post to the Blueghost site.
From: Mike McDonald (Blueghost 42),