Helicopter UH-1C 66-15005

Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
The Army purchased this helicopter 0167
Total flight hours at this point: 00000303
Date: 12/30/1967
Unit: C/3/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
Unknown this helicopter was Unknown at 0500 feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: STRUCTURE, MAIN ROTOR SYS
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
for 30.00
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 74631, FM232 (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. )


Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
The Army purchased this helicopter 0167
Total flight hours at this point: 00000429
Date: 03/17/1968
Unit: HHT/3/17 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0400 feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 3 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Right Side
Systems damaged were: FLT CONTROLS, TRANSMISSION
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 07705 ()


Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
The Army purchased this helicopter 0167
Total flight hours at this point: 00000871
Date: 10/01/1968
Incident number: 68100111.KIA
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED
for Close Air Support
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0100 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 8 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 01 KIA, 01 WIA . .
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 27501 ()

Crew Members:
G SP4 PLAVCAN KENNETH MICHAEL KIA

War Story:
Subject: Information on Kenneth Michael Plavcan, 116th AHC Stingers Got a copy of the KIA report on Kenny Plavcan from Bill Reid.It looks like some of the entries are wrong.Here is the story as best I can remember it. I was flying as Aircraft Commander with a Stinger light fire team in support of the 25th Division (Wolfhounds?) in the vicinity of the HOBO woods. We were on our second or third fuel load,providing recon and cover for a company sized unit that was moving on a sweep through the woods (knocked down trees and small brush) to the north. There had been no contact all morning. As we made a pass in front of an advancing platoon, Kenny saw a VC in a spider hole about 100 meters in front of the troops. I attempted to contact the unit on the ground but someone was giving a long log report on their command frequency and was keeping the mike keyed throughout. I tried several times while orbiting the area but was unable to break through the transmission. I set up a right hand orbit so Kenny could keep the area of the spider hole in sight.The VC couldn't see the troops but he was located on the west end of a east-west clearing( fire lane) that one squad of the platoon was about to cross. I told Kenny to fire on the VC with the door gun so the troops would stop. As we passed between the troops and the VC(about 100ft altitude), Kenny started firing out the right door about 30 meters out. I was watching him (from the left seat) and suddenly he leaned out and started shooting almost straight down. Immediately, we started taking hits in the cockpit and I quit looking. As we pulled off the target I checked the instruments (and myself) and asked if everyone was OK. The crew chief (Joe Capon)(spelling?) said they were hit. Kenny was half in and half out of the right door and had been hit in the forehead. Joe had been hit in the foot and thigh(I think). Joe pulled Kenny into the helicopter while I broke for the 25th Evac as fast as she would go. We landed on the pad (leaking fuel).Kenny was pronounced dead as soon as they got him inside the 25th. Joe was later evacuated to somewhere out of the country( I think), but came back to the unit after I had left (I was told). We bounced off the medevac pad to the Hornets nest and shut the aircraft down. We later counted 18 hits (fourteen of them forward of the firewall). My wingman said we had taken fire from one or two other spiderholes while we were engaging the one we had seen. We never saw the others. I later got a report that they had killed three(I think) VC in that immediate area. I have always felt that we would have lost troops on the ground if we hadn't taken the action we did and that Kenny may have kept us from being shot down if he hadn't shifted his fire and exposed himself to protect the aircraft. Since Joe Capon was the crew chief, it had to be his C model Frog that was called "The Judge" Joe had modified the ammo can for the 40 MM and I think it held over 300 rounds. It always worked (except one time when I forgot to stow it and filled the muzzel with asphalt trying to get off the ground--Joe was pissed) I was real short when I flew this mission (about 7-10 days left) I flew one more mission after that and then went back to the world. Went back to a different unit in 71. Jim Boren June 1998.

This record was last updated on 06/20/1998


The following is crew member information for this incident:


Name: SP4 Kenneth Michael Plavcan
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 10/01/1968 while performing the duty of Gunner.
Age at death: 21.5
Date of Birth: 03/21/1947
Home City: Parma, OH
Service: regular component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: 116 AHC
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Service: U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 42W-059
Aircraft: UH-1C tail number 66-15005
Service number: 15752451
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 67A1F = Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: small arms fire
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: door gunner
Started Tour: 05/28/1967
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - other aircrew
Length of service: 02
Location: Binh Duong Province III Corps.
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Hostile - killed
single male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Relgion: Roman Catholic
The following information is secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: enlisted personnel
This record was last updated on 09/07/1996


Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
The Army purchased this helicopter 0167
Total flight hours at this point: 00001185
Date: 01/25/1969
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0600 feet and 090 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Main Rotor Blade System
Systems damaged were: MAIN ROTOR SYS
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 02501 ()


Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
The Army purchased this helicopter 0167
Total flight hours at this point: 00001250
Date: 02/04/1969
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was an Unknown mission
While On Target this helicopter was Attacking at 0300 feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (12.7MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Main Rotor Blade System
Systems damaged were: MAIN ROTOR SYS
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 03501 ()


Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
The Army purchased this helicopter 0167
Total flight hours at this point: 00001250
Date: 02/06/1969
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Armed Escort , Other Aircraft.
While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0300 feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Passenger Cargo Section
Systems damaged were: UNK
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 03702 ()


Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
The Army purchased this helicopter 0167
Total flight hours at this point: 00001250
Date: 03/04/1969
Unit: 116 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Close Air Support
Unknown this helicopter was Attacking at UNK feet and 080 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (12.7MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Passenger Cargo Section
Systems damaged were: MAIN ROTOR SYS
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P3, 06301 ()


The following is Goldbook information on US Army helicopter UH-1C tail number 66-15005
It is provided here as an ESTIMATE of the history of this helicopter and is not intended to be the final authority.
This helicopter was purchased by the US Army in 0167.
Please provide any additional information on this helicopter to the VHPA.

DATE  FLT HRS    UIC      UNIT          AREA          POST          COUNTRY
6701  10   10 WQ1CAA GEN SUPPLY DIV   4THARMY    RED RIVER AD     AMC           
6702   7   17 WQ1CAA GEN SUPPLY DIV   4THARMY    RED RIVER AD     AMC           
6703  12   29 WAU3R0 HQ 35 ARTY ORIG  1ST ARMY   FORT MEADE       ARADCOM          
6704  25   54 W0US4T HQ 3 SQDN 17CAV  1STARMY    FORT KNOX        1ST ARMY        
6705  15   69 W0US4T HQ 3 SQDN 17CAV  1STARMY    FORT KNOX        1ST ARMY        
6706  34  103 W0US4T HQ 3 SQDN 17CAV  1STARMY    FORT KNOX        1ST ARMY         
6707  18  121 WAU3R0 TRP C 3SQ 17CAV  1STARMY    FORT KNOX        1ST ARMY        
6708  32  153 WAU3R0 TRP C 3SQ 17CAV  1STARMY    FORT KNOX        1ST ARMY        
6709   0  153 W0US4T HQ 3 SQDN 17CAV  1STARMY    FORT KNOX        1ST ARMY        
6710   4  157 WAAMC0 TRP C 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6711  26  183 WAAMC0 TRP C 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6712 120  303 WAAMC0 TRP C 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6801  52  355 WAAMC0 TRP C 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6802   0  355 WAAMC0 TRP C 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6803  74  429 WAAMT0 HQTRP 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6804  59  488 WAAMT0 HQTRP 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6805  65  553 WAAMT0 HQTRP 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6806  58  611 WAAMT0 HQTRP 3SQ 17CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6807  11  622 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6808  93  715 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6809  69  784 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6810  87  871 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6811 121  992 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6812  84 1076 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6901 109 1185 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6902  65 1250 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6903   0 1250 WC3GAA 116 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
6904   0 1250 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVCOMITR  
6905   0 1250 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM        
6906   0 1250 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN STORAGE NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM          
6907   0 1250 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
6908   0 1250 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
6909   0 1250 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
6910   0 1250 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
6911   0 1250 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
6912   0 1257 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
7001   0 1257 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
7002   0 1257 W2WJAA BELL HCPTR       BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVCOM        
7003   0 1257 WCLNAA 79 TRANS CO      VIETNAM                     RVN     
7004   0 1257 WCLNAA 79 TRANS CO      VIETNAM                     RVN     
7005  77 1334 WGPRAA 336 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7006  89 1423 WGPRAA 336 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7007  39 1462 WGPRAA 336 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7008  34 1496 WGPRAA 336 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7009  57 1553 WGPRAA 336 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7010   0 1553 3456   AVN SEC EBD      6TH ARMY   FORT ORD         CBTDVCOM     
7011  26 1579 WGPQAA 335 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7012  17 1596 WGPQAA 335 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7101   0 1596 WGPQAA 335 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN     
7102  75 1671 WGPQAA 335 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN     
7103  72 1743 WGPQAA 335 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN     
7104  58 1801 WGPQAA 335 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN     
7105  27 1828 WGPQAA 335 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN     
7106  15 1843 WGPQAA 335 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN     
7107  36 1879 WGPQAA 335 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7108  25 1904 WGPQAA 335 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7109  67 1971 WGPQAA 335 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN     
7110   5 1976 WGPQAA 166 TRANS CO     VIETNAM                     RVN     
7111   0 1976 W0Y6AA BEL HEL          BAILMENT   FT WORTH         AVSCOM     
7112   0 1976 W0Y6AA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVSCOM       
7201   0 1976 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVSCOM   
7202   0 1976 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVSCOM   
7203   0 1976 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVSCOM   
7204   0 1976 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVSCOM   
7205   4 1980 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVSCOM   
7206   2 1982 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVSCOM   
7207  22 2004 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7208   6 2010 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7209  26 2036 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7210   7 2043 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7211  28 2071 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7212   3 2074 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7301   9 2083 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7302   4 2087 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7303   0 2087 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7304  15 2102 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7305  10 2112 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7306  16 2128 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7307   2 2130 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7308  14 2144 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7309  13 2157 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7310  11 2168 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7311   4 2172 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7312   0 2172 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7401   0 2172 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7402   7 2179 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7403   5 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7404   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7405   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7409   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7410   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7411   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7412   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7501   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7502   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7503   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7504   0 2184 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7505  12 2196 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7506  32 2228 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7507   0 2228 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7508   7 2235 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7509   1 2236 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7510   6 2242 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7511   1 2243 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI
7512   2 2245 WPE9D0                  NAT GUARD                   NAT GDZI


Please send additions or corrections to:

Gary Roush
43 Overbrook Road
Painted Post, NY 14870


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Printed from databases on: 06/10/2000

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