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From:
Date: Fri, Jun 17, 2011 at 02:18
Subject: Query as to fatal mid-air helo collision during routine training New River 1967
To: webmaster@popasmoke.com
I did a search of internet regarding the multi-fatal mid-air helo crash during training at New River back in June of 1967. I was assigned to the Division Air Office at the time and recall some minor details of it. Further, one of my boot camp recruit platoon buddies was aboard the H-53 when it went down. He is a know and listed survivor among a few others.
I only got your website as a "hit" with this search parameter.
QUESTION: Can you direct me to the story or a hyperlink or hard-copy newspaper clipping or ANYTHING that might contain some of the details of the event, at this late point?
Respectfully requested,
Fair Winds, Calm Seas
God's Speed & Semper Fidelis -
Kenn Christie
ChrissakisEime@aol.com
Wally "Bytes" Beddoe
POPASMOKE Webmaster
Cpl. USMC 1981-1985
Re: New River Crash, June '67
I think the incident you are refering to involved a CH-53A of HMH-461, BuNo 153305, which collided with an Army UH-1B near Jacksonville, north of Camp Lejeune on the 23rd of June 1967.
Hope that helps narrow down some searches, you could try the Naval Safety Office via a FOI link to get more details
Re: New River Crash, June '67
I'm sure the incident you are referring to was between a CH-53A returning to New River from Camp LeJeune and a UH-1 taking off from New River. The 53 was cleared to land and the Huey was cleared for take-off. There was a screw up somewhere and the Huey took off and into the 53. There were over 20 dead. Bill Storbeck, a buddy of mine recently out of flight school and among the dead, was the "new guy" just getting checked out in the Huey.
Semper Fi
"Crazy Joe" Scholle
HMM-363
Re: New River Crash, June '67
I was there then in HMM-365, crash happened over the East end of the active runway and pieces of everything were everywhere..Sad day.
Re: New River Crash, June '67
Details of the crash were published in "THE ROTORVIEW" MCAS New River paper. I have a copy somewhere in my photo albums. I was in 261 at the time and lost one of my best Crewchiefs. Personnel aboard were returning from GMSP training when the H-1 flew into the belly of the 53 during landing. Was a very sad day. R/S Bill McMillian
Re: New River Crash, June '67
The UH-1B was 638572 of VMO-1, not US Army.
Re: New River Crash, June '67
I was in VMO-1 at the time. Our Huey was shooting touch and go's without a crewchief since it was an 1000 lb. internal weight hop. The Ch-53 was full of our Groups enlisted guys attending the annual infantry training. I believe the tower was eventually to blame since both were cleared. I have the actual Jacksonville newspaper article from the following day. Let me know if you want a copy and i will have it scanned.
Re: New River Crash, June '67
Here is the flight schedule for that day.
Re: New River Crash, June '67
The Jacksonville Daily News account.