A/C 64-13162 Submitted by John Logan06-27-66 Crew: Aircraft Commander - CWO2 Logan Mission: Bring in bladders of contaminated JP-4 fuel to try to burn tons of captured rice. To remove tin panels and some bicycles found at the site about 5 miles from Dau Tieng. On inspection of material it was estimated that the panels weighed between 4 to 7 pounds each. We were going to take 1000 panels. On take off on the third trip out of the area as the aircraft went over the jungle where the rice was being burned the aircraft lost power rapidly. The torque needles began spinning and the aircraft started descending. The forward motion was stopped and as the aircraft reached the trees, the collective pitch was pulled all the way up. The aircraft went down thru the trees and came to rest on its right side. The Pilot in the left seat broke loose and fell over the center console and over the right pilot seat. The Aircraft Commander after some squirming freed himself and went out over the pedals thru the plastic nose. The Pilot was unable to free himself. The Aircraft Commander tried to break the windshield but was unable to make a hole big enough to move the Pilot and the seat. Two men from the ground unit came up but departed when one fuel cell blew up. They returned in a few minutes and took the Aircraft Commander back to the confined area. He only had minor burns and bruises. The Pilot was killed in the fire that consumed all but the tail pylon of the aircraft. SP6 Luster made it out the rear of the aircraft with burns and bruises. SP5 Adkins was able, after a struggle, to make his way out the left window. He suffered severe burns but was able to remain in the service. |