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Anyone out ther from H&MS26 back in the early 70's remember Sgt. Jim Gwen? We lost him 40 years ago in a Flight Line Crash of a CH53. (Along with a lot of other Guy's). Been along time Jim bit I'll never forget.: Dolan
Posted : 2012-11-04 09:05
Re: H&MS26 CH 53 Crash 1973
Sgt Scott was the only one to get out...they threw half a blade while hot refueling, or shortlty there after. Scott was closiing the ramp-door and was thrown out onto the ramp. Frank Quadrini and John McCormick were the pilots. Not sure of all the others, but the list of crewmembers that had requested to go was not short, as it was a X-C to Davis Mothin for storage...Lotsa logged time for groupies and a weekend ashore...I was one of the rejected requestees, as a low-time HAC, but there were many before me...to say the least.
You can propably imagine all the post fact excuses why he, or him, or me, didn't go on the flight, but I WAS ON TOP of the rotorhead of the bird Mac was 'posed to be flying that day w/an H2P Stud for a trainng flight, and saw it all...
Posted : 2012-11-17 06:06
Topic starter
Re: H&MS26 CH 53 Crash 1973
thomas.zuppke;37032 wrote: Sgt Scott was the only one to get out...they threw half a blade while hot refueling, or shortlty there after. Scott was closiing the ramp-door and was thrown out onto the ramp. Frank Quadrini and John McCormick were the pilots. Not sure of all the others, but the list of crewmembers that had requested to go was not short, as it was a X-C to Davis Mothin for storage...Lotsa logged time for groupies and a weekend ashore...I was one of the rejected requestees, as a low-time HAC, but there were many before me...to say the least.
You can propably imagine all the post fact excuses why he, or him, or me, didn't go on the flight, but I WAS ON TOP of the rotorhead of the bird Mac was 'posed to be flying that day w/an H2P Stud for a trainng flight, and saw it all...
Tom;Ya,thats about right.I flew with Major McCormick and Sgt.Gwen a couple of times and found them to be an outstanding Crew.I remember one other Sgt. got thrown clear and I think there was a bunch of cat A's in the back as well.You got Bumped from that Flight as well Huh?Gods Will Man. Sikorsky came out with a Bogus report stateing that the Tail rotor blades were at fault but those of us who were there know what the hell happened.Thats why they grounded every 53 out there and had all the rotor heads changed. Just glad to know they aren't forgotten.Thanks for the response brother.
Posted : 2012-11-24 20:42
