Rattler/Firebird Association


418

Historical Data Display for Aircraft 67-17418

Model: UH-1H
Date Purchased: Apr 1968
Service with Rattlers & Firebirds: From May 1968 To Oct 1968
Flight Hours: Beginning 0 / Ending 576 -> Hours Flown: 576

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 09 Nov 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 584
Accident case number: 681109091 Total loss or fatality Accident
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Chu Lai in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 228554
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 HOLLY RF
P W1 POWELL WA

Accident Summary:

Aircraft UH-1, 67-17418 and crew were assigned a mission to make a VIP passenger pickup at Da Nang main airfield and return to Marble Mountain airfield. At approximately 0915 hours, the aircraft took off with six passengers aboard and 600 pounds of fuel. The available fuel was more than enough for the anticipated 20 minutes flying time required for this mission. As there were several rain showers in the area and a low ceiling, the aircraft commander requested and received a special VFR clearance from Marble Mountain to Da Nang main airfield. At some time almost immediately after takeoff, the "T" head bolt on the clamp assembly failed allowing the clasp assembly to vibrate loose and the main fuel filter bowl to separate from the filter seat. System fuel pressure forced fuel out of this separation. Entering the traffic pattern at Da Nang main, the aircraft commander noted 400 pounds of fuel remaining prior to the "20 minute fuel" warning light coming on and decided to return to Marble Mountain. Maintenance facilities are available at Marble Mountain and duration of flight to return was approximately 5 minutes. The heavy smell of fuel fumes confirmed the aircraft commanders conclusion that there was a fuel leak even though there was no discernable exterior fuel leakage. After setting down at Marble Mountain airfield, the density of the fumes apparently was touched off by contact with the engine exhaust. JP-4 fuel fumes have a low flash point. The extent of fire damage to the tail boom indicates that the fuel was carried back into the tail boom while the aircraft was in flight. Immediate shutdown of the helicopter cut off the fuel system pressure, however approximately 150 to 175 pounds of fuel apparently was trapped in the inner compartments and the tail boom when the fumes flashed into fire. The rapid reaction time of the fire fighters precluded further damage to the airframe.

Aircraft Assignment History

DateUnitAreaPostCountry
68-04OS TO CONUSITR CONUSAVCOMITR
68-0571STASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
68-0671STASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
68-0771STASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
68-0871STASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
68-0971STASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
68-1071STASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
68-11142 TC DSVIETNAMRVN
68-12OS TO CONUSITR CONUSAVCOMITR
69-01ARADMACIN TRANSITNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-02ARADMACIN STORAGENAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-03ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-04ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-05HHD 44 ENG GPTHAILANDPACIFIC
69-06CO A 101 AVN BNVIETNAMRVN
69-07CO A 101 AVN BNVIETNAMRVN
69-08CO A 101 AVN BNVIETNAMRVN
69-09A-101 AHB 101ABVIETNAMRVN
69-10A-101 AHB 101ABVIETNAMRVN
69-11A-101 AHB 101ABVIETNAMRVN
69-12A-101 AHB 101ABVIETNAMRVN
70-012SQ 17AC 101ACDVIETNAMRVN
70-022SQ 17AC 101ACDVIETNAMRVN
70-032SQ 17AC 101ACDVIETNAMRVN
70-042SQ 17AC 101ACDVIETNAMRVN
70-052SQ 17AC 101ACDVIETNAMRVN
70-06142 TC DSVIETNAMRVN
70-07ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-08ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-09ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-10ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-11ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-12ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
71-01ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVSCOM
71-02ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVSCOM
71-03166 TRANS COVIETNAMRVN