Rattler/Firebird Association


440

Historical Data Display for Aircraft 65-09440

Model: UH-1C
Date Purchased: Jan 1966
Service with Rattlers & Firebirds: From Jul 1970 To Mar 1971
Flight Hours: Beginning 1,647 / Ending 2,050 -> Hours Flown: 403

Aircraft Accident/Incident History

Date: 25 May 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 427
Unit: ARMY AVN DIV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED
This was a Rescue and Recovery mission for Rescue or Rescue Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0500 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Forward area
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL, MAIN ROTOR SYS
Casualties = 01 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives.
CU CHI recovered the helicopter. for 3532.00
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 72789, JSIDR, FM232 (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report.)

Date: 02 Jul 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 504
Unit: USARV FLT DET
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0700 feet and 100 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 4 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: FUEL SYS, LDG GEAR, STRUCTURE, COMM SYS, PERSONNEL
The armor protecting the personnel was effective.
Casualties = 02 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
for 1862.00
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 73164, JSIDR, FM232 (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report.)

Date: 21 Jul 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 504
Unit: USARV FLT DET
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Recon
While in Operations Area this helicopter was in Orbit at 1200 feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Left Side
Systems damaged were: STRUCTURE
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
for 600.00
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 73292, FM232 (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base.)

Date: 29 Aug 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 530
Unit: BELL HCPTR
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
Unknown this helicopter was in Orbit at 0100 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Passenger Cargo Section
Systems damaged were: STRUCTURE, LDG GEAR
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 73555, JSIDR (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report.)

Date: 22 Sep 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 567
Unit: BELL HCPTR
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0500 feet and 090 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Left Side
Systems damaged were: STRUCTURE
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 73736, JSIDR (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report.)

Date: 26 Sep 1967
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 567
Unit: BELL HCPTR
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0600 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Forward area causing Spalling.
Systems damaged were: STRUCTURE, ENGINE, MAIN ROTOR SYS
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 73754, JSIDR (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Joint Services Incident Damage Report.)

Date: 14 Jan 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 855
Unit: 355 AVN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Recon
While Enroute this helicopter was in Descent at 0500 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: UNK
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 01403 ()

Date: 27 Mar 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 926
Accident case number: 680327151
Unit: 355 AVN
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 7000
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
AC W1 ALEXANDER WR

Accident Summary:

Right mini-gun on XM-21 armament system malfunctioned on test firing and weapons zero flight. Bolt which secures the barrel nut clamp came loose while weapon was firing allowing barrel nut clamp to slide in front of the muzzles

This record was last updated on 01/31/97

Date: 15 May 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,023
Unit: 355 AVN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED
for Close Air Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0700 feet and 100 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 5 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 03 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 13605 ()

Date: 10 Dec 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,116
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0500 feet and 090 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Tail Section
Systems damaged were: UNK
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 34501 ()

Date: 13 Dec 1968
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,116
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0050 feet and 060 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 5 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Passenger Cargo Section
Systems damaged were: FUEL SYS
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft took off, fully flight capable.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Aircraft repaired on the spot with tools and parts on hand
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 34901 ()

Date: 25 Jan 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,191
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0300 feet and UNK knots.
Unknown
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Right Side
Systems damaged were: ENGINE
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 02502 ()

Date: 04 Feb 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,275
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was an Unknown mission
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0100 feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 4 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 02 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 03503 ()

Date: 04 Mar 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,403
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED
for Close Air Support
Unknown this helicopter was Attacking at 0100 feet and 100 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 3 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Right Side
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 02 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted or delayed after completing some mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 06303 ()

Date: 14 May 1969
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 1,562
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Logistics Support mission for Resupply , Air Land.
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0500 feet and 060 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (12.7MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Armament system
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL, ARMAMENT
Casualties = 01 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 13401 ()

Date: 31 Mar 1971
Description:
Total flight hours at this point: 2,050
Accident case number: 710331011 Total loss or fatality Accident
Unit: 71 AHC
The station for this helicopter was Quang Tri in
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 1
costing 224415
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.
Loss to Inventory

Crew Members:
P O3 BETTENCOURT RS
CE E3 HAYES HE

Passengers:
UNK, LCO, G;


Accident Summary:

On the morning of 31 March 1971, aircraft 65-9440, a UH-1C, left LZ Rattler in Quang Tri, RVN for a test flight, accompanied by one other aircraft. Cpt Bettencourt, the aircraft commander, was seated in the right side pilot's seat. PFC Hayes, the crew chief, was seated in the left. The aircraft was approaching 1200 feet agl at 80 knots, when after approximately ten (10) minutes of normal flight, an explosion was heard from the engine compartment area. Cpt Bettencourt reacted by immediately entering autorotation. At about this time, Mr. collins, who was flying wing for 440, radioed to advise that the ship was on fire. He reported that the flames were being emmitted from the aft end of the engine. the fuel had been shut off immediately upon entering autorotation and well prior to the report of fire. The fire apparently extinguished itself during the descent at an undetermined time and altitude. Cpt Bettencourt then reported that his N1 and RPM had dropped to zero and that his EGT had risen to 1000 degrees. with approximately 200 feet left in his descent, Cpt Bettencourt realized that he would not glide far enough to reach his intended landing area and would terminate either on a hillside or in the basin of a ravine. A flare was initiated and pitch was pulled at an undetermined altitude, although the aircraft commander believes he made a conscious effort at delaying. The aircraft landed in a ravine basin, which was lined with tall elephant grass, striking the main rotor blades against the slope to the right, prior to the actual touchdown. there was no injury to either crewmember and both were wearing all the ret gloves as both men had previously lost their's. The aircraft commander neglected to jettison the aircraft's external stores, prior to touchdown. There were no KY-28s on board but all radios were salvaged. the aircraft was slung back to Quang Tri by CH-47.

Aircraft Assignment History

DateUnitAreaPostCountry
66-10BELL HCPTRBAILMENTFT WORTHAVCOM
66-11ARMY AVN DIV6TH ARMYDUGWAY PGTEVALCOM
66-12ARMY AVN DIV6TH ARMYDUGWAY PGTEVALCOM
67-01ARMY AVN DIV6TH ARMYDUGWAY PGTEVALCOM
67-02ARMY AVN DIV6TH ARMYDUGWAY PGTEVALCOM
67-03POST SUPPLY6TH ARMYFORT ORD6TH ARMY
67-04ARMY AVN DIV6TH ARMYDUGWAY PGTEVALCOM
67-05ARMY AVN DIV6TH ARMYDUGWAY PGTEVALCOM
67-06USARV FLT DETVIETNAMRVN
67-07USARV FLT DETVIETNAMRVN
67-08BELL HCPTRBAILMENTFT WORTHAVCOM
67-09BELL HCPTRBAILMENTFT WORTHAVCOM
67-10BELL HCPTRBAILMENTFT WORTHAVCOM
67-11355 AVN CO4TH ARMYFORT SILL4TH ARMY
67-12355 AVN CO4TH ARMYFORT SILL4TH ARMY
68-01355 AVN CO4TH ARMYFORT SILL4TH ARMY
68-02355 AVN CO4TH ARMYFORT SILL4TH ARMY
68-03355 AVN CO4TH ARMYFORT SILL4TH ARMY
68-04BELL HCPTRBAILMENTFT WORTHAVCOM
68-05355 AVN CO4TH ARMYFORT SILL4TH ARMY
68-06355 AVN CO4TH ARMYFORT SILL4TH ARMY
68-07OPM SEA NITEOPS1ST ARMYFORT BELVOIRAMC
68-08HHD 44 ENG GPTHAILANDPACIFIC
68-0920 TRANS COVIETNAMRVN
68-1020 TRANS COVIETNAMRVN
68-1120 TRANS COVIETNAMRVN
68-12116 ASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
69-01116 ASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
69-02116 ASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
69-03116 ASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
69-04116 ASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
69-05116 ASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
69-06116 ASLT HEL COVIETNAMRVN
69-07HHC 520T BN34GPVIETNAMRVN
69-08ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-09ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-10ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-11ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
69-12ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-01ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-02ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-03ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-04ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-05ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-06ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVCOM
70-0771 AHC AM DIVVIETNAMRVN
70-0871 AHC AM DIVVIETNAMRVN
70-0971 AHC AM DIVVIETNAMRVN
70-1071 AHC AM DIVVIETNAMRVN
70-1171 AHC AM DIVVIETNAMRVN
70-1271 AHC AM DIVVIETNAMRVN
71-0171 AHCVIETNAMRVN
71-0271 AHCVIETNAMRVN
71-0371 AHCVIETNAMRVN
71-04AVSCOM FLT DET5TH ARMYST LOUISAVSCOM
71-05ARADMACIN MAINTNAVAL AIR STNAVSCOM
71-06ARADMACIN STORAGENAVAL AIR STNAVSCOM
71-07BEL HELBAILMENTFT WORTHAVSCOM
71-08BEL HELBAILMENTFT WORTHAVSCOM
71-09BEL HELBAILMENTFT WORTHAVSCOM
71-10BEL HELBAILMENTFT WORTHAVSCOM
71-11BEL HELBAILMENTFT WORTHAVSCOM
71-12BEL HELBAILMENTFT WORTHAVSCOM
72-01BEL HELBAILMENTFT WORTHAVSCOM
72-02NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-03NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-04NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-05NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-06NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-07NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-08NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-09NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-10NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-11NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
72-12NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-01NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-02NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-03NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-04NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-05NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-06NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-07NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-08NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-09NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-10NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-11NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
73-12NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-01NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-02NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-03NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-04NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-05NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-09NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-10NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-11NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
74-12NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-01NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-02NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-03NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-04NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-05NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-06NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-07NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-08NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-09NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-10NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-11NAT GUARDNAT GDZI
75-12NAT GUARDNAT GDZI