66-19075

 

 

66-19075, Boeing build number B-333, was a CH-47A helicopter. The U.S. Army acceptance date was 24 March 1967. 66-19075 accumulated 2,190.0 aircraft hours. The administrative strike date was 4 April 1971.    In approximately June 1967, 66-19075 was assigned to the New Cumberland Army Depot (NCAD), near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.    In approximately August 1967, 66-19075 was bailed to Bell Helicopter, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.    In approximately October 1967, 66-19075 was assigned to the 179th Assault Support Helicopter Company (ASHC) - "Shimpboats", located at various times at either Dong Ha, Phu bai, or Camp Holloway, Pleiku, in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN).    On 6 January 1968, 66-19075 was on approach to an unknown location (possibly in the vicinity of CP Schmidt or grid coordinate ZB158468) with a sling load. A loss of Rotor RPM was encountered and the aircraft settled into the ground causing major damage. At this point, 66-19075 had accumulated 367.0 aircraft hours. There were no injuries reported.    In February 1968, 66-19075 was in-transit to the United States Army Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center (ARADMAC), 4th Army, headquartered at Corpus Christi, Texas.    In March 1968, 66-19075 was assigned to ARADMAC, for maintenance.    On 4 August 1968, 66-19075 while on a combat resupply mission in level flight at 100 feet and 70 knots, received enemy fire. 66-19075 took two hits from gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size (7.62 mm). The aircraft was struck in the bottom and the hydraulic and electrical systems were damaged. The aircraft continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives. The helicopter was repaired in theater. At this point, 66-19075 accumulated 331.0 aircraft hours.    In December 1968, 66-19075 was assigned to NCAD.    In January 1969, 66-19075 was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 44th Engineer Group, located in Thailand.    In approximately March 1969, 66-19075 was assigned to the 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company (ASHC) - "Muleskinners", located at Cu Chi, in the Republic of Vietnam.    On 24 March 1969, while assigned to the 242nd ASHC and on a combat troop insertion mission conducting flight at 100 feet and 70 knots, 66-19075 received enemy fire. 66-19075 took three hits from gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size (7.62 mm). The helicopter was struck in the aft area, where fragmentation damage occurred. The oil system, transmission, electrical and main rotor systems were damaged. The aircraft diverted prior to accomplishing mission objectives, was forced to land, and was later recovered by means other than its own power. An unknown number of personnel were injured to an unknown degree. At this point, 66-19075 accumulated 407.0 aircraft hours.    On 14 May 1969, while on a combat re-supply mission conducting sling operations at 150 feet and 80 knots, 66-19075 received enemy fire. 66-19075 took 18 hits from gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size (7.62 mm). The helicopter was struck in the bottom. The fuel, main rotor, and flight control systems were damaged. The aircraft diverted prior to completing all mission objectives. 66-19075 was repaired in theater. At this point, 66-19075 accumulated 563.0 aircraft hours.    66-19075 remained assigned to the 242nd ASHC until it was lost due to an accident on 4 April 1971. The Crew Chief (CE), SP4 Benny Eugene Hart, performed an unauthorized flight and lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft crashed and was totally destroyed. It was thought that the CE failed to turn on the Stability Augmentation System (SAS), which may have contributed to the loss of control. SP4 Hart was not qualified to pilot the CH-47 helicopter, and was the single fatality during the incident.    The last known location of 66-19075 was in the Republic of Vietnam.    Aircraft status: Crashed.

 

 

This aircraft was piloted by:

 

Your Name Here.

 

 

This aircraft was crewed by:

 

SP4 Tom Doyle, Door Gunner, March 1969 - May 1969

 

Your Name Here.

 

 

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