23 Sept 2021

Fallen Hero's / 129th ARRS / HH-3E / Jolly Green Giant

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. 

Crew

Pilot
Maj. Terry A. Nelson

Co-pilot
Lt Col. Leslie E. Spencer
Flight Engineer
SrA. Steven E. Courtney

Pararescue
SSgt. Steven E. Carlyle
Others
1Lt. James K. Dooley
(27th TASS)
Others
1Lt. Patrick L. Henry
(27th TASS)

HH-3E 65-12781 seen landing at San Diego in the same year it tragically crashed. (Photo courtesy of Raymond Rivard)

8 comments:

  1. I lost four friends and squadronmates that day. May you all continue to rest in peace.

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  2. Richard Pruneda Sr4 September 2021 at 13:43

    Yes, 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.

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  3. All good friends REST INPEACE

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  4. Sad loss for us all…RIP

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  5. That crash hurt all of us we were all family, the saddest day of my life. πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

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  6. I remember…sad sad day

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  7. Never a good day losing a crew, RIP my brothers

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  8. Time marches on, yet sometimes it seems like yesterday…RIP πŸ™πŸ«‘πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‘£

    ReplyDelete