History of Bureau No. 152576
 YK-16
07-18-68 through 08-07-70
This aircraft assigned to HMM-364 after 04-11-69

07-18-68
Mission:  Troop Insert, Recon Area
Description:  While approaching Landing Zone at 500 feet and 100 knots, helicopter took one hit of small arms/automatic weapon fire. Aircraft was hit in the forward area.
Systems Damage: Structure
Casualties: 01 WIA
Continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.


 07-20-68
Mission: Troop Extraction
Description:  While at unknown feet and unknown knots, helicopter took two hits of small arms/automatic weapon fire to the bottom of the aircraft causing spalling.
Systems Damage: Fuel System, Engine
Casualties: None
Continued flight and accomplished all missions.

08-27-68
Mission: Rescue and Recovery mission for Aircraft Recovery
Description:  While departing the Landing Zone at 30 feet and 50 knots, aircraft took three hits of small arms/automatic weapon fire in the cockpit area.
Systems Damage:  Structure, Fuel System
Casualties: None
Continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.

10-01-68
Mission:  Troop Extraction from Hot Area
Description:  While hovering above Landing Zone, aircraft took five hits of small arms/automatic weapons fire to the cabin area.
Systems Damage:  Structure only
Casualties: 01 WIA
Continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.

11-05-68
Mission:  Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
Description:  While approaching the LZ at 150 feet and 10 knots, aircraft took 19 hits of small arms/automatic weapon fire in the forward area.
Systems Damage: Main Rotor Sys, Electrical Sys, Communication Sys, Hydraulic Sys, Flight Control Sys and Oil Sys.
Casualties: 01 WIA
Helicopter made a precautionary landing and mission was terminated.  Aircraft was recovered and repaired in theater.

11-07-68
Mission:  Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
Description:  While approaching LZ at 50 feet and 10 knots, aircraft took 5 hits of small arms/automatic weapons fire in the forward area.
Systems Damage:  Main Rotor Sys.
Casualties: None
Helicopter continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.

02-25-69
Mission:  Troop Insert, Recon Area
Description:  While sitting in the LZ, aircraft took 8 hits of small arms/automatic weapon fire to the cabin and main rotor system.
Systems Damage: Main Rotor Sys and Structure
Casualties:  None
Helicopter continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.

03-27-69
Mission:  Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
Description:  While in the LZ, aircraft took one hit of small arms/automatic weapon fire to the forward area.
Systems Damage:  Structure
Casualties:  None
Helicopter continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.

04-11-69
Mission:  Recon mission for Armed Recon
Description:  While approaching the LZ at 50 feet and 45 knots, aircraft took 3 hits of small arms/automatic weapons fire to the passenger and cargo section.
System Damage:  Fuel Sys, and Structure
Casualties:  None
Helicopter continued flight but was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives.
Aircraft became YK-16 after 04-11-69
05-09-69
Mission:  Troop Insert, Recon Area
Description:  While sitting in the LZ, aircraft took one hit of small arms/automatic weapon fire to bottom of the fuselage.
System Damage:  Unknown
Casualties:  None
Helicopter continued flight but was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives.

06-15-69
Mission:  Unknown
Description:  The aircraft was in level flight at 2,000 feet and 120 knots when it received 2 hits of small arms/automatic weapons fire to the fuselage.
System Damage:  Driveshaft
Casualties:  None
Helicopter continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.

06-30-69
Mission:  Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
Description:  The aircraft was in level flight at 2,000 feet and 120 knots when it received 2 hits from small arms/automatic weapons fire.
System Damage:  Driveshaft and Structure
Casualties:  None
Helicopter continued flight and accomplished all mission objectives.

08-07-70
Mission:  Rescue and Recovery mission for Medical Evacuation
Description:  Helicopter had taken off from the LZ but was in the process of returning to same at unknown altitude and knots when it received 3 hits from small arms/automatic weapons fire.
System Damage:  Flight Controls
Casualties:  04 KIA, 05 Injured
Helicopter crashed and was destroyed by fire.  View the narrative by clicking here.

Information provided by:
    Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association

Last Updated: February 5, 2002

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