I found this photo of the ship's helo that went down in 1964. I'm not sure if I took it or I got a copy from someone else. I did take videos of the crash. I found that video but Its part of a long tape that includes various pictures I took while aboard the Altair. Mark Simon
Mark was kind enough to send me a VHS tape he made of the Super 8 movie. I have reprocessed the VHS tape into DVD format and PC format. It is in 7 parts. The video of the helo going down is at 4 Minute and 28 seconds of "Mark Simon Part 4". -- Webmaster
Herb Stickney
on July 10, 2018Herb Stickney ADR3 , I was the guy that went up the side of the chopper and opened the side panel and saw the transmission mount were bent and there was no way this chopper could land . I closed the side panel and told Commander Russell what was up and he then ditched the chopper.
Bob Heiss
on August 26, 2015it took 13 seconds fro touching the water until the the tail wheel disappeared
Bob Heiss
on August 26, 2015I was in the chopper until I let the last passenger off, Lt. Harris climbed out and was injured, then I left and Commander Russel put it in the drink
Ray Fogle
on February 14, 2014I was on a work party by #4 hatch when this happened. I think the pilot got a broken collar bone when he was in the life boat.
Daniel Tomei
on October 13, 2009I was on the winches aft when the helo hit the flight deck so hard it damaged the shaft to the aft rotor....we were in really heavy seas and I remember he had the Co pilot and crew member jump out befor he ditched we watched on the stbd side while he ditched...he did a great job.....the large rotor shattered and one blade came close to hitting the ship....we all waited it seemed for ever befor he surfaced....and when he did a loud cheer went out.......I took some pictures but lost them ...will never forget the incident!!!.