CPT Munson departed Phu Bai Airfield, 22 September 1968 at 0930 with one passenger. He arrived at Marble Mountain Air Facility at 1005 hours. The tower asked him if he had room for three passengers going to Phu Bai, he agreed. He departed Marble Mountain at 1010 hours after making a power check and noting that all instruments were in the green. He used runway 35, as directed, and began a normal climb. At 250 feet he reduced power to a cruise setting and 80 knots indicated. Just after establishing straight and level flight he heard a loud pop and the engine quit. He immediately lowered the pitch to maintain rotor RPM but had to pull the rotor RPM down to 410 to get a maximum glide in order to reach a suitable area for landing. He had to continue to pull pitch in order to clear power lines and fuel storage tanks in his flight path. Knowing his rotor RPM was low, he attempted a flare to regain it. It helped some but not enough. At an altitude of 3 to 5 feet, he pulled what pitch remained to cushion his landing. The aircraft landed hard, causing the main rotor blades to flex and sever the tail boom. The aircraft then turned 90 degrees to the left and stopped in an upright position. CPT Munson then turned off the electrical system and checked his passengers. There were no injuries
This record was last updated on 04/29/1997
Information on U.S. Army helicopter OH-6A tail number 67-16023
The Army purchased this helicopter 0568
Total flight hours at this point: 00000806
Date: 04/27/1970
Incident number: 70042727.KIA
Unit: D/1/1 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was LOSS TO INVENTORY
This was a Recon mission for Unarmed Recon
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0050 feet and 050 knots.
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: BS548908
Count of hits was not possible because the helicopter burned or exploded.
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (12.7MM)
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 01 WIA, 01 KIA . .
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft Destroyed.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Destroyed by friendly forces
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense
Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis
Center Helicopter database. Also: OPERA, LNNF, JSIDR, CRAFX, FM385, CASRP (Operations Report.
Lindenmuth New Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report. Crash Facts Message.
Casualty Report. )
Loss to Inventory
Crew Members:
P CW2 PICKLES MICHAEL RICHARD KIA
War Story:
Mike was in D Trp, 1/1 Cav, 16 GP, Americal Div (23rd Inf). Call sign Sabre.
He was working a VR along the Quang Nai river, about 5 miles west of Quang Nai city, along the north side of the river. He was pilot of an OH-6A "Loach" and was hit by a single shot while at a low altitude. Probably killed instantly.
Mike was my hooch mate, and a great guy.
Nick Lappos, Sabre 74, nlappos@miami.gdi.net
This record was last updated on 01/14/1900
The following is crew member information for this incident:
The following is Goldbook
information on US Army helicopter OH-6A tail number 67-16023
It is provided here as an ESTIMATE of the history of this helicopter
and is not intended to be the final authority.
This helicopter was purchased by the US Army in 0568.
Please provide any additional information on this helicopter to the VHPA.
DATE FLT HRS UIC UNIT AREA POST COUNTRY 196805 0 0 W0MHAA DIR SUP / TRAN IN MAINT SHARPE AD AVCOM 196806 12 13 WGZ6T0 7TH SQ 1ST CAV VIETNAM RVN 196807 63 76 3222 OPM SEA NITEOPS 1ST ARMY FORT BELVOIR AMC 196808 112 188 WDX4AA HHC 212 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196809 60 248 WDX4AA HHC 212 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196810 0 248 3190 HHD 44 ENG GP THAILAND PACIFIC 196811 0 248 WE4HAA 142 TC DS VIETNAM RVN 196812 2 250 WE4HAA 142 TC DS VIETNAM RVN 196901 0 250 WE4HAA 142 TC DS VIETNAM RVN 196902 52 302 WGLEB0 CO B 123 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196903 46 348 WGLEB0 CO B 123 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196904 90 438 WGLEB0 CO B 123 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196905 51 489 WGLEB0 CO B 123 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196906 65 554 WGLEB0 CO B 123 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196907 81 635 WGLEB0 CO B 123 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196908 43 678 WGLEB0 CO B 123 AVN BN VIETNAM RVN 196909 19 697 WGLEB0 B 123 AVN AMDV VIETNAM RVN 196910 21 718 WGLEB0 B 123 AVN AMDV VIETNAM RVN 196911 41 759 WGLEB0 B 123 AVN AMDV VIETNAM RVN 196912 15 774 WGLEB0 B 123 AVN AMDV VIETNAM RVN 197001 21 795 WGLEB0 B 123 AVN AMDV VIETNAM RVN 197002 8 803 WGLEB0 B 123 AVN AMDV VIETNAM RVN 197003 3 806 WACYD0 D 1-1 CAV AMD VIETNAM RVN 197004 0 806 WACYD0 D 1-1 CAV AMD VIETNAM RVN
Please send additions or corrections to:
Printed from databases on: 05/31/2005
Return to Main Index
Copyright © 1998 - 2005 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association