CH-3 accident 12 Mar 89 Tucson AZ

[davet]

CH-3E, 65-05692, "Pony12" stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base crashed 12 Mar 89 in a desolate desert region 20 miles Northwest of Tucson. The Air Force Helicopter with an Air Force Reserve crew of 4 had an 11 member Army Special Forces Team aboard from Fort Bragg North Carolina. All were lost in the crash. The accident occurred during joint service training exercises. I'm looking for more info concerning this crash. I'm interested because I worked on CH-3 helicopters for 4 years. I live in Arizona and want to visit the crash site and place a memorial at the crash location. Thanks in advance for any help with this research.

[Admin]

Exactly what "more info" are you looking for?

[davet]

I would especially like to know the cause of the crash and the location. Was the accident caused by pilot error, weather related, or mechanical failure. I worked on CH-3 for 4 years and CH-53s for 4 years. They were old, but reliable helicopters. The location was given as 20 miles Northwest of Tucson, I would like a more precise coordinate, hill top or valley. Also, I would like to know what the 11 member Army Special Forces Team was doing aboard the CH-3.
V/R
DaveT

[Admin]

The SF that were on board were being flown from Ft. Huachuca to a gunnery range in Gila Bend. AF officials stated that it was now a low-level mission, however some eyewitness reports stated the helicopter was very low.

I'll see if I can find a more accurate position and determination of the cause of crash.

[davet]

Thanks for the help. These soldiers are not forgotten.

[davet]

These Things I Do...That Others May be Remembered, The Tragic Crash of CH-3E, 65-05692

More than a year ago, I happen to come across the static display of a CH-3 helicopter at Davis-Monthan AFB. I had worked and flown on CH-3 helicopters when I was in the Navy and I was very interested to see the static display. Near the helicopter was a plaque that dedicated the static display as a memorial to honor a crew that perished in a crash of a CH-3 in a desolate desert area 20 miles from Davis-Monthan. Right then and there I was determined to locate the crash site if it was possible. I ordered a copy of the accident report, researched the local newspapers, searched the internet and formulated a plan to find the desolate crash site.
The Vietnam-era CH-3E, tail number 65-05692, Jolly Green Giant Helicopter was assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base as part of Air Force Reserve's 71st Special Operations Squadron, now known as the 943rd Rescue Group. The motto of the 943rd Rescue Group is "These Things We Do...That Others May Live.”
On Sunday, March 12, 1989, a clear, moonless night, Air Force helicopter 65-05692, call sign PONY 1-2 with an Air Force Reserve crew of 4 and an 11 member Army Special Forces Team aboard from the 5th Special Forces Group assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C. and was participating in a joint-service training exercise. The helicopter was number two of a two ship in trail formation on a planned night infiltration mission. The flight began from Libby Army Airfield, Fort Huachuca Arizona, 79 miles southeast of Tucson, to the Air Force's Gila Bend Gunnery Range, 124 miles northwest of Tucson. On the way the helicopter stopped at Davis-Monthan AFB for refueling.
They departed Davis-Monthan at 7:20pm and crashed approximately fifteen minutes later in a desolate desert area in an uninhabited area adjacent to the Sahuaro National Monument about 20 miles northwest of Tucson. They crashed without getting any radio calls off or anything and the other helicopter in the formation was unaware of what took place. The entire Air Force Reserve crew of 4 and the 11 member Army Special Forces Team were all were lost in the crash. One witness said he saw the crash from his house a few miles away. "I looked up and I seen a yellow ball, like flames, coming out of the back," he said. "Five seconds later I saw it hit the ground, and then there was a red fireball.”
Air Force investigators looked at everything from weather to maintenance and weight to determine why the helicopter crashed. The helicopter was flying at the prescribed altitude for the area just prior to the crash; they were not on a low-level mission. The use of controversial night vision goggles, which had been an issue in numerous military helicopter crashes at that time were also ruled out as a crash cause. The main rotor shaft nut, a fastener about a foot in diameter that holds the main rotor head to the helicopter frame, had been checked just two days before the crash. The helicopter was among more than 300 CH-3Es and similar helicopters inspected for defective nuts. The accident investigation team examined the nut and decided it "wasn't a factor in the accident." The nut was found still in place, holding what remained of the rotor blades to what remained of the helicopter's engine housing.
The mystery of why the helicopter crashed continued for some time until investigators dug deep into the maintenance records and examined the wreckage which was removed to Davis-Monthan and photographed. There wasn't much left because there was a post crash fire that destroyed most of the evidence. It turns out that one of the main rotor blades was overhauled and replaced just before the crash. The main rotor blade that was replaced was incorrectly overhauled by the factory and failed 15 minutes into the flight, taking out the tail rotor.
It was further discovered that a number of other main rotor blades were also incorrectly overhauled. The overhaul company, United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and Sikorsky were later sued as a result of this accident. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two Air Force Reserve crew members lost in the accident in court cases Slaven vs. UTC and Thomas vs. Sikorsky. A legal file with wreckage photographs is in the archives of a lawyer’s office in Los Angeles. I contacted one of the lawyers in the case and he gave me some of the details of this story.
I traveled down to the area of the crash site south of Marana Arizona on several occasions in search of the exact crash site. The area is still pretty desolate for the most part, but there are some areas of development. Using the original accident report I was able to narrow down my search area. I traversed the open desert in search of the exact spot. Luckily, one day as I crossed the sandy ground I spotted a small piece of melted aluminum, I knew I was close. I slowly searched the terrain for other signs. As I rounded a bush, I discovered the tale tell signs of the crash site. It was a small site, but I could tell this was the correct location. I found small bits of Plexiglas, aluminum, and other metal parts. I was able to identify some of the parts because I worked on the same model CH-3 when I was in the Navy. It was kind of spooky when I found something and then realized what it was. I was able to confirm the site by finding a part with a CH-3 Sikorsky part number on it. I believe many more small parts are buried at the site. On a sad note, I found several personal buttons which made me remember the crewmembers lost in the crash. I plan on placing a memorial at the crash site because of the great loss of life. The helicopter was packed with souls aboard.
The Air Force Reserve crew members lost in the accident were: Lt. Col. Lawrence M. Rolle, 41, of Phoenix, commander of the reserve squadron and co-pilot of the helicopter; Maj. Donald D. Thomas, 42, of Tempe, the pilot; Master Sgt. Malte Breitlow, 45, of Tucson, and Tech. Sgt. William E. Slaven, 37, also of Tucson.
The Army Special Forces Team aboard from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. were Capt. lvin L. Broussard, 30, of Sulphur, La.; Capt. Alan C. Brown, 32, West Plains, Mo.; Master Sgt. Roger D. Berryhill, 34, Pahokee, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Larry K. Evans, 30, Sparks, Nev.; Sgt. 1st Class George A. Wayne, 31, Whiteville, N.C.; Staff. Sgt. John W. Bigler II, 24, of Long Beach, Calif.; Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Campbell, 26, Clinton, S.C.; Staff Sgt. Robert L. Griswold, Fayetteville, N.C.; Staff Sgt. Kevin R. Livengood, 29, San Antonio, Texas; Sgt. Larry D. Endress, 30, Clearwater, Fla.; and Sgt. Terry M. Hollway, 28, Los Angeles.
I had flown many times on CH-3 helicopters when I was in the military and it could have easily been me killed as a result of a defective main rotor blade. That is why I spent so much time researching, searching and remembering the tragic crash of CH-3E, 65-05692, “these things I do...that others may be remembered.” I believe that it is important to remember the memory and sacrifices of those that have gone before us and paid the ultimate price to win and maintain the freedoms we all enjoy today. If we forget these sacrifices we will never truly appreciate how precious, valuable and costly these freedoms are. We must remember freedom is not free; it is paid for with the sweat from our brows, the tears of our families, and sometimes the blood of our comrades.

[armamentdawg]

That is quite a story. My hats off to you for your fervor is making sure it was told

[Kathy Fallon]

Feb 3, 2010 15:25:50 GMT -6 davet said:

These Things I Do...That Others May be Remembered, The Tragic Crash of CH-3E, 65-05692

More than a year ago, I happen to come across the static display of a CH-3 helicopter at Davis-Monthan AFB. I had worked and flown on CH-3 helicopters when I was in the Navy and I was very interested to see the static display. Near the helicopter was a plaque that dedicated the static display as a memorial to honor a crew that perished in a crash of a CH-3 in a desolate desert area 20 miles from Davis-Monthan. Right then and there I was determined to locate the crash site if it was possible. I ordered a copy of the accident report, researched the local newspapers, searched the internet and formulated a plan to find the desolate crash site.
The Vietnam-era CH-3E, tail number 65-05692, Jolly Green Giant Helicopter was assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base as part of Air Force Reserve's 71st Special Operations Squadron, now known as the 943rd Rescue Group. The motto of the 943rd Rescue Group is "These Things We Do...That Others May Live.”
On Sunday, March 12, 1989, a clear, moonless night, Air Force helicopter 65-05692, call sign PONY 1-2 with an Air Force Reserve crew of 4 and an 11 member Army Special Forces Team aboard from the 5th Special Forces Group assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C. and was participating in a joint-service training exercise. The helicopter was number two of a two ship in trail formation on a planned night infiltration mission. The flight began from Libby Army Airfield, Fort Huachuca Arizona, 79 miles southeast of Tucson, to the Air Force's Gila Bend Gunnery Range, 124 miles northwest of Tucson. On the way the helicopter stopped at Davis-Monthan AFB for refueling.
They departed Davis-Monthan at 7:20pm and crashed approximately fifteen minutes later in a desolate desert area in an uninhabited area adjacent to the Sahuaro National Monument about 20 miles northwest of Tucson. They crashed without getting any radio calls off or anything and the other helicopter in the formation was unaware of what took place. The entire Air Force Reserve crew of 4 and the 11 member Army Special Forces Team were all were lost in the crash. One witness said he saw the crash from his house a few miles away. "I looked up and I seen a yellow ball, like flames, coming out of the back," he said. "Five seconds later I saw it hit the ground, and then there was a red fireball.”
Air Force investigators looked at everything from weather to maintenance and weight to determine why the helicopter crashed. The helicopter was flying at the prescribed altitude for the area just prior to the crash; they were not on a low-level mission. The use of controversial night vision goggles, which had been an issue in numerous military helicopter crashes at that time were also ruled out as a crash cause. The main rotor shaft nut, a fastener about a foot in diameter that holds the main rotor head to the helicopter frame, had been checked just two days before the crash. The helicopter was among more than 300 CH-3Es and similar helicopters inspected for defective nuts. The accident investigation team examined the nut and decided it "wasn't a factor in the accident." The nut was found still in place, holding what remained of the rotor blades to what remained of the helicopter's engine housing.
The mystery of why the helicopter crashed continued for some time until investigators dug deep into the maintenance records and examined the wreckage which was removed to Davis-Monthan and photographed. There wasn't much left because there was a post crash fire that destroyed most of the evidence. It turns out that one of the main rotor blades was overhauled and replaced just before the crash. The main rotor blade that was replaced was incorrectly overhauled by the factory and failed 15 minutes into the flight, taking out the tail rotor.
It was further discovered that a number of other main rotor blades were also incorrectly overhauled. The overhaul company, United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and Sikorsky were later sued as a result of this accident. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two Air Force Reserve crew members lost in the accident in court cases Slaven vs. UTC and Thomas vs. Sikorsky. A legal file with wreckage photographs is in the archives of a lawyer’s office in Los Angeles. I contacted one of the lawyers in the case and he gave me some of the details of this story.
I traveled down to the area of the crash site south of Marana Arizona on several occasions in search of the exact crash site. The area is still pretty desolate for the most part, but there are some areas of development. Using the original accident report I was able to narrow down my search area. I traversed the open desert in search of the exact spot. Luckily, one day as I crossed the sandy ground I spotted a small piece of melted aluminum, I knew I was close. I slowly searched the terrain for other signs. As I rounded a bush, I discovered the tale tell signs of the crash site. It was a small site, but I could tell this was the correct location. I found small bits of Plexiglas, aluminum, and other metal parts. I was able to identify some of the parts because I worked on the same model CH-3 when I was in the Navy. It was kind of spooky when I found something and then realized what it was. I was able to confirm the site by finding a part with a CH-3 Sikorsky part number on it. I believe many more small parts are buried at the site. On a sad note, I found several personal buttons which made me remember the crewmembers lost in the crash. I plan on placing a memorial at the crash site because of the great loss of life. The helicopter was packed with souls aboard.
The Air Force Reserve crew members lost in the accident were: Lt. Col. Lawrence M. Rolle, 41, of Phoenix, commander of the reserve squadron and co-pilot of the helicopter; Maj. Donald D. Thomas, 42, of Tempe, the pilot; Master Sgt. Malte Breitlow, 45, of Tucson, and Tech. Sgt. William E. Slaven, 37, also of Tucson.
The Army Special Forces Team aboard from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. were Capt. lvin L. Broussard, 30, of Sulphur, La.; Capt. Alan C. Brown, 32, West Plains, Mo.; Master Sgt. Roger D. Berryhill, 34, Pahokee, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Larry K. Evans, 30, Sparks, Nev.; Sgt. 1st Class George A. Wayne, 31, Whiteville, N.C.; Staff. Sgt. John W. Bigler II, 24, of Long Beach, Calif.; Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Campbell, 26, Clinton, S.C.; Staff Sgt. Robert L. Griswold, Fayetteville, N.C.; Staff Sgt. Kevin R. Livengood, 29, San Antonio, Texas; Sgt. Larry D. Endress, 30, Clearwater, Fla.; and Sgt. Terry M. Hollway, 28, Los Angeles.
I had flown many times on CH-3 helicopters when I was in the military and it could have easily been me killed as a result of a defective main rotor blade. That is why I spent so much time researching, searching and remembering the tragic crash of CH-3E, 65-05692, “these things I do...that others may be remembered.” I believe that it is important to remember the memory and sacrifices of those that have gone before us and paid the ultimate price to win and maintain the freedoms we all enjoy today. If we forget these sacrifices we will never truly appreciate how precious, valuable and costly these freedoms are. We must remember freedom is not free; it is paid for with the sweat from our brows, the tears of our families, and sometimes the blood of our comrades.

[specialk]

I was a member of the 302d SOS at Luke as a life support specialist and full time civilian technician. That is where I first met Malte, Larry and Don. They were amazing people. Malte was a chef, born in Germany and loved to fly! I carpooled with Don a few times, he had a young family. Larry had just gotten married for the first time not long before the crash. I flew in those planes a lot, and always felt safe. Maybe it was just fun to fly and I never gave it a thought.

[LTC Charles Bloodworth]

Thank you for taking the time to walk out to the middle of an empty desert to honor those men.

[steveyan2121]

Great job searching for and finding that site. I found the site I crashed at 3 years later (we all survived) with just sketchy directions from the locals, it was a amazing spooky feeling as I topped a hill knowing this was it! We had crashed in a CH-21 at night and taken to the hospital at Ft Lee Va in 1964, I had never tried to find it before. There were still parts scattered around and I retrieved part a the rotor blade at least 200 yards away. No need for a memorial there but hope you place one for those lost souls by DM.
Spc 6 Steve Yannone US Army 63-68
Phoenix Az

[davidsonm]

Greetings;

I am new to the site, and found this while cold-searching the event.

I was the medical officer (PA) for the SF battalion that lost many comrades that night. I was awakened early by a phone call at Ft Bragg and ordered in to see the XO (now-retired MG Tom Csrnko). By the time the bulk of the unit knew anything, I had dental and HREC in-hand and was tasked to assist USAF accident investigation team and be unit liaison.

Tough scenes and times for this fairly new FS when I knew each and every man on the Army roster lost. Two ODA's were inexactly cross-loaded on the two birds, and the story is told that there was a last-minute change effected as the men walked back out to the helos after refueling was complete.

I spent many night out there in the cool desert air talking with the site guards; mostly young USAF "kids" who were very respectful and mindful of the importance of their mission to protect the site. I'll always remember them, and the multitude of shooting starts that the broad desert sky revealed; at least 15.

Around the time of the memorial service, I went out and planted a cross marker with the initials of all aboard, and IIRC, a unit coin was affixed. The folks at the DMAFB Craft Shop were kind enough to help me with this project. The cross was placed next to the dirt road lined with wire poles, and in a small patch of shrubbery so maybe it would not get run over.

I made a strip map at the time, and I'm pretty sure I still have it. The method was number of power line poles from the intersection of the paved road to the site. My ex recently sent a manila envelope with items from the crash, and I will review the contents and communicate with those who have respectful and genuine interest which seems to be the ethic here.

At the memorial service, I met a SF (NG or USAR) Lt. from a local unit who mentioned a more permanent memorial, but when I made multiple trips back in later years when traveling as a member of the Army Parachute Team, and much later when working at Pinal Park facilities nearby, I did not see one, and the cross went from remnants to desert dust.

After a fire that hot, I was not surprised to see the defeated morphology of metal that thankfully usually maintains its shape under high turbine operating temps, but was amazed to find pages of the CH-3 operators manual intact but for burned edges reminiscent of the craft work folks did in the 70's before mounting on wooden plaques. This page has the views of the outside of the mighty aircraft.

You all know I could not let that symbolism blow off into a wadi, so I kept that and a few other things to hopefully pass on to someone closer to the souls on board, at a time more remote from the emotions that carried the day some 20 years ago.

There is a memorial marker outside of the JFK Chapel at Ft Bragg, NC. I and many others from the SF community would love to see a memorial at the crash site. The CO of C-3-5 SFG, now retired COL Ron Newton has never forgotten the men and the day despite more losses in between, and was a frequent visitor to the existing monument.

Pls feel free to contact me here or [e-mail], and I appreciate that others still care all these many years later.

Regards;

Mike Davidson
MAJ, USA-Ret

[heathe1327]

Hello,
My name is Heather Livengood. I am the daughter of Staff Sargeant Kevin R. Livengood. In reading your post, so many things and unanswered questions come to mind. It seems that so many others know so much more than the actual families involved. At the time, the Army wasn't very inclined to give much information. I visited the crash site on the 15th anniversary of the crash and still, so many artifacts remained on the ground of an unmarked crash site. Any information you can offer might help put the my mind more at ease as the last 22 years since his death have been somewhat empty.

Thank you,
Heather Livengood-Beavers

[Mike Davidson]

Today marks 22 years since the loss of so many sons, fathers, brothers and comrades-in-arms.

Our memories of them are still strong, and so is the military of the United States to which they dedicated themselves, and gave all.

Thanks to all who have helped keep the memories alive and active, and preserved this history here and in other ways.

Mike Davidson
Maj, USA-Ret
5th SFGA

[davet]

Several people have told me that they think about those men all the time. It was tragic! There is another memorial at Ft. Bragg and the CH-3 static display at Davis Mothan AFB. I was told that at one time there used to be a wooden cross with aircrew
wings attached next to the nearest road. There was a large memorial dedicated to a "dog" nearby the main road, but nothing to the helo crew, that made me want to put up a memorial even more. When I went looking, I discovered a new road had recently been built and the entire area was fenced in due to construction of a microwave station down the road. Also across from the area are new homes that were constructed about 8-10 years ago. I had obtained a partial copy of the official accident report that gave me about a 3/4 mile square area to search. It took me two trips to the area before I was able to locate the small site. The site is past the foundations of the old ranch and water towers. I had to criss cross the area slowly because the site is so small it was easy to miss. I believe there are stuff buried there, but I did no digging. Once I found parts on the surface, I ID'd them because I worked on CH-3s in the NAVY. The property is now owned by the city of Tucson.
I have well over a hundred pictures. I took very detailed pictures of the debris at the site which includes buttons and buckles, these may be hard for some to look at. I also have walkaround pictures of the static display, memorial at the site pictures, newspaper articles, and google earth images. I'm willing to give out the information to interested people. just contact me
Dave Trojan