Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopter 84-24168.

84-24168

   84-24168, Boeing D model kit number M3072, was a CH-47D helicopter. The U.S. Army acceptance date was 29 August 1985. As of 22 June 1998, 84-24168 had accumulated 1,185.1 D model hours and 3,796.5 total aircraft hours.

   84-24168 was a conversion from the original A model Chinook 64-13123.

   On 30 April 1984, 84-24168 was inducted into the D model program, converted, and initially assigned to the 132nd Assault Support Helicopter Company (ASHC) - "Hercules", Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, near Savannah, Georgia.

   The 132nd ASHC was redesignated B Company, 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment in approximately November 1988.

   In 1991, 84-24168 flew 104.2 combat hours while assigned to B Company, 159th Aviation Regiment during Operation Desert Shield / Storm.

   On 29 August 1993, 84-24168 slung a rotor blade tip cap (also known as the cover plate on the outer end of the blade) while en route to Fort Rucker, Alabama from Hunter Army Airfield.

   Elements of B Company's sister unit, C Company- "Flippers", 159th Aviation Regiment, Fort Bragg were dispatched to assist in the repair and maintenance test flight of the stricken aircraft.

   This was the first meeting and first flight together of CW2 Morgan and WO1 Busch. WO1 Busch described the vibration level in the aircraft without the tip cap as severe. All went well on the repair and test flight.

   In September 1996, 2nd Battalion was deactivated and the unit was redesignated B Company, 159th Aviation Regiment. B Company became a subordinate unit to the 18th Aviation Brigade.

   As of 5 March 2001, the 18th Aviation Brigade was located at Simmons Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was subordinate to the 18th Airborne Corps.

   The 18th Airborne Corps was subordinate to Forces Command (FORSCOM), which was a major command (MACOM) of 2nd Army.

   As of 1 January 2002, this aircraft was 36.8 years old.

   As of 22 June 1998, the last known location of 84-24168 was Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, assigned to B Company, 159th Aviation Regiment.

   Aircraft status: Flyable.