This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.
You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Wednesday 26 February 1969 |
| Time: | |
| Type: |  Sikorsky CH-3E Sea King (S-61R) |
| Owner/operator: | 21st SOS, 56th SOW, USAF |
| Registration: | 64-14237 |
| MSN: | 61-540 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 5 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Location: | Laos -
 Laos
|
| Phase: | Combat |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | Nakhon Phanom RTAFB (VTUW), Thailand |
| Laos |
The CH-3E with call sign KNIFE 51 was on a Igloo White mission to drop surveillance sensors in Laos near the DMZ when it was hit by ground fire that knocked out an engine and made a wheels up landing atop a hill. All five crewmen (pilot Maj. John L. Holt, co-pilot Capt. John W. Hughes, flight engineer SSgt Charles F. Hill, flight engineer TSgt. Winiford J. Smith and aircraft mechanic Sgt Billy D. Copelin) survived and were were rescued by another CH-3E from the same flight. The wreck was later destroyed by US aircraft to prevent capture.
Sources:
https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1964.html
https://www.helis.com/database/cn/8173/
https://911gfx.nexus.net/aircraftlosses.html
https://usafrotorheads.com/helo-timeline/
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 09-Jan-2010 11:33 | TB | Added |
| 21-Dec-2012 10:14 | TB | Updated [Operator, Narrative, ] |
| 26-Jan-2025 08:19 | Tetrapack | Updated [Cn, Operator, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation