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Loach landed after tail rotor failure at Tan An
August 2015. War Wagon Pilot Richard Bench writes:
This OH-6 is 67-16194. It is Oct 28, 1968 at Tan An. I did a hovering auto rotation after the flexible tail rotor coupling completely separated.
The engine was partially submerged at operating temperature and we expected it to be scrapped or at least rebuilt but inspection revealed no damage.
A couple days later "Ace" gave me a post-accident check-ride and I flew another week then Jim Bell and I took the last week off then we DEROSed together on Nov 14.
We had been roommates since Fort Rucker.
I know the tail number because I have the order signed by Ace reinstating me to flight status and the post-accident report and findings, it has the tail number on it.
Tom Nutting was flying cobra cover on the mission and apparently took the photos. I never knew they existed until I saw Tom's album.
Tan An
Crusader hovering at POL
Hootch maids shining boots
Officer tents on the left. Enlisted barracks on the right.
Staff Sergeant Pratt manning the "Ma Deuce" 50 Cal on the C&C ship.
Tom
War Wagon OH-6A on POL
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