1 September 1988
129th ARRS
HH-3E #65-12781
The HH-3E & crew were on a two day SAR training mission with the 27th TASS. The helicopter departed George AFB at 0907hrs to participate in the first exercise scenario a survivor pick up with an OV-10 Bronco escort. The exercise was conducted in the north-western section of the 29 Palms restricted area R-2501N. One OV-10 pilot was onboard the helicopter as an observer, another playing the survivor on the ground. After the pickup the HH-3 was departing when it struck a ridge tragically killing all of the crew and passengers.
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Crew |
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Pilot  Maj. Terry A. Nelson |
Co-pilot  Lt Col. Leslie E. Spencer
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Flight Engineer SrA. Steven E. Courtney |
Pararescue  SSgt. Steven E. Carlyle
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Others 1Lt. James K. Dooley (27th TASS)
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Others 1Lt. Patrick L. Henry (27th TASS)
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 HH-3E 65-12781 seen landing at San Diego in the same year it tragically crashed. (Photo courtesy of Raymond Rivard)  |
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I lost four friends and squadronmates that day. May you all continue to rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember that day. About fell to my knees in sorrow. Besides viewing the scene on the TV news. Great co-workers and crew I flew with at times. RIP my friends.
ReplyDeleteAll good friends REST INPEACE
ReplyDeleteSad loss for us all…RIP
ReplyDeleteThat crash hurt all of us we were all family, the saddest day of my life. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteI remember…sad sad day
ReplyDelete