CORLEW ROY KENNETH

Narrative

At 0100 hours, 12 July 1968, the aircraft took off from the artillery helipad at LZ Sharon. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft searchlight was turned off. At this time with the aircraft at about 150 feet, heading approximately 170 degrees, there was a muffled explosion, followed by sparks and fire from the rear of the engine section. The aircraft contacted the ground at a very high rate of descent. The searchlight was turned on just prior to impact. The wreckage exploded shortly after impact and was engulfed in flames. Ordanance aboard began detonating almost immediately, preventing any rescue efforts. There were no crash rescue facilities available. All crew members died in the fire. All controls, switches, and the entire cabin section were consumed in the fire.