09jun86 with RWATD, NATC Patuxent River crashed at sea 8m off coast of Jacksonville, FL. 2 Killed. Aircraft recovered and taken to NAS Mayport for investigation
accident It crashed off the USS Underwood (FFG-36) during a Tiger Cruise on its way back to NAS Mayport. The RWATD Maintenance Crew that was with the aircraft performed the Emergency Reclamation on the aircraft when it was pulled off the ocean floor and brought back to NAS Mayport . Disposition of remains of aircraft - unknown. (Wasn't much left to salvage after the damage from the crash impacting the water
The ship rescued one survivor after the crash from the sea. The two pilots were killed. The pilot managed to maneuver the out of control helo prior to crashing in order to miss the top deck of the ship where young people on the tiger cruise were observing helo ops. I was the ship helicopter control officer and was on duty on the flight deck at the time of the crash.
I was the rescue swimmer who responded to the crash in an SH-3G. Crewman refused to be hoisted on help. Pilot stuck the tail rotor in the water showing off for the families. Sad day!