Post by dtrooper82 on May 30, 2006 19:38:22 GMT -6
Unless I am mistaken, this accident involved a brand new rebuilt AH-1S that was on an initial break in flight. The PIC was assigned to C Troop 4/7 Cav. Sitting in the Gunner/Co-Pilot seat was the flight surgeon from Camp Edwards. Eye witnesses in the AH-1 in formation behind them indicated the helicopter pitched left and right a couple of times, inverted, the main rotor blade penetrated the canopy, and the aircraft then disintegrated before impacting the ground. Both occupants were killed. A memorial service at Camp Stanton H112 was held, whereby family members were transported from the states to participate. I have to admit, this accident took a lot out of me because a knew the pilot from casual conversations, and the flight surgeon performed my flight physical. The most difficult part of this incident is the fact that all parts with human traces still evident were placed in the same hangar our armament shop was located for accident reconstruction reasons. It took awhile for me to get back into a helicopter.