Brothers (& Sisters) Killed in Action in USMC Helicopters or while assigned to USMC Helicopter or Tiltrotor Squadrons
19670623VMO-1 HMH-461 USMC RESERVE INCIDENT/ACCIDENTS
Download PDFIncident Date 19670623 VMO-1 UH-1B - 638572 [formerly USArmy] - - HMH-461 CH-53A - 153305 - - Midair during training at MCAS New River
Storbeck, William Walter 1/LT Co-Pilot VMO-1 MAG-26/2ndMAW/FMFLANT 1967-06-23
Buchanan, William Lee Capt Pilot VMO-1 MAG-26/2ndMAW/FMFLANT 1967-06-23
[PASSENGERS]
Tresler, Clifford Charles PFC Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Scurlock, Jerry Wayne PFC Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Newell, David George L/Cpl Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Bell, Franklin Leslie Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Bornemann, John Frederick Sgt Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Dennon, Phillip Edward Cpl Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
DeRolf, Bruce Edward PFC Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Parkerson Jr., Milton Jack Cpl Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Smith, Robert Nelson L/Cpl Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Williams, Thomas Lee Sgt Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-22
Ross, Kenneth Graham Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Montgomery, Wayne Earl PFC Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Stadelmaier Jr., Frank Emil PFC Passenger - HMH-461 Vertical Envelopment Training 1967-06-23
Naval Aviation Safety Center Report
I have the Naval Aviation Safety Center report for this accident, news articles, and photographs. In a nutshell here is what happened:
The H-53, with 33 aboard, was descending to the southwest toward the departure end of Runway 23. The Huey, with 2 aboard, took off from the grass adjacent to Runeay 23 and climbed southwest. At roughly 500 feet AGL the Huey climbed up into the bottom of the descending H-53.
The collision tore the main rotor off the Huey. It dropped straight down, struck the ground inverted, and burned. The 2 pilots aboard were killed.
The collison caused major structural damage to the H-53. The pilots lost all tail rotor control, although they maintained main rotor control. The H-53 descended rapidly, spinning, then lost its entire tail pylon, struck the ground, rolled onto its left side, and burned. Of the 33 aboard, 13 survived and 20 were killed.
Per the Naval Aviation Safety Center Investigation No. 70-67, the findings of the board are SYNOPSIZED below:
1. Pilots in both aircraft had relied on the tower controller.
2. The Huey had been cleared to take off, and the H-53 had been cleared to land.
3. After getting takeoff clearance, the Huey pilots hovered over the grass by the runway for about two minutes before beginning to accelerate and climb.
4. On final approach the H-53 pilots could not see the Huey below them, and the Huey pilots could not see the H-53 above them.
5. PROBABLE CAUSE: "Personnel factor in that tower personnel did not continuously monitor the approach of the H-53 in order to take more positive action to prevent the mid-air collision."
6. CONTRIBUTING CAUSE: "Pilot factor" in that the Huey pilot, after being warned, "caution, fifty-three directly overhead," continued to climb.
7. The board noted that the tower controller "did not accuarately percieve the impending conflict until it was too late."
Details are contained in the book, MID-AIR, and the chapter, "Caution, Fifty-Three Directly Overhead."
Personal Recollection
I remember that day so very well. When I was returning from a training mission at New River around noon when the tower asked me to look in the trees for bodies at the down wind end of the active runway. At midfield on the right side of the runway, I spotted the charred remains of a UH-1E. I am sure the UH-1 cut the tail off the CH 53 then went inverted and exploded in a ball of fire.
The first CH-53A was being delivered to New River. The 53 had 50[?] Marines in the belly to simulate a combat assault for the TV cameras. After searching the trees and finding nothing, the tower asked me to go to Camp LeJeune med-pad to pick up body bags and drop them off at the flight line.
When I returned to the line I learned about Buck and Lt. Storbeck. My wife and I along with the chaplain and Maj. Plamondon went to Diane Storbeck's home to inform her of the accident. I will never forget that day.
Personal Recollection
As a member of VMO-1 I was assigned as part of a guard detail over the crash site that night. 45 years later, I can still remember the smell of burned flesh although all bodies had been removed by then. I can still see a seat belt buckle with a burned hand still clutching it. I am and wasn't a religious person but I said a prayer for all involved, both victims and loved ones. As a Crewchief and gunner with VMO-2 in Vietnam the following year, I saw nothing as memorable as this.
Submitted by: Jim Fry, VMO-1 Member, 20131025I had just returned to MCAF New River from my tour in Vietnam. I was walking from my new outfit HMM-365 to H&MS to check in looked to my right and saw the crash. I actually cringed at the sound and sight of it. Ill never forget it. Semper Fi RIP
Submitted by: John E Brennan, there that day, 20190305Family Narrative
My brother Frank E. Stadelmaier Jr. was one of the Marines killed on June 23, 1967 in New River, NC. Losing my bother was so devastating to my family especially my mother who was a widow. Frankie was one of 5 children and he was not the youngest..
The pain, that day the Marines arrived to inform us, took my breath away. And I truly thought my mother was going to die of a broken heart. I am so proud that he and my brother John were Marines but I can't stop the feeling that this was just so senseless.
News Article
Camp Lejeune, NC Two Helicopters Collide In Midair, June 1967
BULLETIN
Camp Lejeune, N. C. (AP) -- Two large Marine helicopters collided in flight at the nearby New River Marine air facility today and first reports said a number of persons were killed or injured.
A spokesman at the facility said, "We have not determined the extent of casualties. We do know some lives were lost."
The collision involved a HUE-1 helicopter and a CH53-A copter, commonly known as a "Sea Stallion."
The collision occurred over the base at the end of a runway.
Both aircraft were carrying troops.
The Gastonia Gazette North Carolina 1967-06-23
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CRASH OF HELICOPTERS.
PARTIAL LIST OF DEAD RELEASED.
Jacksonville, N. C. (AP) -- The Marine Corps has released this partial list of the 22 Marines killed in the crash of two helicopters at the New River Marine Air Facility Friday:
Cpl. FRANKLIN L. BELL, husband of Christina M. Bell, Rt. 1, Jacksonville, N. C.
Sgt. JOHN F. BORNEMANN, husband of Lynn L. Bornemann of Jacksonville, N. C.
Capt. WILLIAM L. BUCHANAN, husband of Carol C. Buchanan of Jacksonville, N. C.
Cpl. PHILLIP E. DENNON, husband of Brenda J. Dennon of Jacksonville, N. C.
Pfc. BRUCE E. DeROLF, son of Mr. And Mrs. Raymond DeRolf, Sr., Michigan City, Ind.
Lance Cpl. WAYNE E. MONTGOMERY, husband of Cindra L. Montgomery, Geiger Trailer Park, Jacksonville, N. C.
Cpl. MILTON J. PARKERSON, JR., son of Mr. And Mrs. Milton J. Parkerson, Sr. Of Springfield, Ore.
Sgt. KENNETH G. ROSS, husband of Peggy C. Ross, Marine Corps Air Facility, New River, N. C.
Lance Cpl. ROBERT N. SMITH, husband of Elanor R. Smith of Jacksonville, N. C.
1st Lt. WILLIAM W. STORBECK, husband of Diane M. Storbeck of Jacksonville, N. C.
Sgt. THOMAS L. WILLIAMS, husband of Pearline J. Williams of Wilmington, N. C.
The Marine Corps said the following men are in critical conditions:
Cpl. GARY P. LINICK, husband of Catherine Linick of Jacksonville, N. C.
Hospital Corpsman 3C CHARLES E. NIGHTINGALE, son of Raymond E. Nightingale, St. Paul, Minn.
Lance Cpl. JAMES J. SPENCE, stepson of John L. Ellis of Kissimiee, Fla.
Submitted by: Alan H Barbour, Historian, Historian, USMC Combat Helicopter Association, 20100914
Personal Recollection
I was on base the morning of the collision, and later became involved with the investigation while attached to the Provost Marshall's Office, assisting with documentation. This indeed was a sad day for our facility, when the two helicopters attached to MAG-26 collided that morning in midair! Can't remember the exact time; but seems it was mid-morning.
My most vivid memories were of the stench of burned flesh which permeated the air all around the crash site toward the end of the runway.
As best I remember, it seems that 22 of the Marines died almost immediately and a 23rd died while at the hospital during treatment.
As for my person involvement, although very minor; it was the beginning of my lifelong 40+ year career in Law Enforcement! So, I guess this would be considered a major event and turning point in my life, while a very young man.
May God Bless the souls of those who lost their lives that fateful day along with their families and those who were involved in any way whatsoever!
Personal Request
My great uncle David Newell of Weymouth Ma was killed in the helicopter. June 1967 N.C. Crash I’m trying to find out any info on the accident as possible. His mother my great grandmother didn’t speak much about him or the crash. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you John Ward-Dicroce
Submitted by: John Ward Dicroce, Great nephew of deceased, 20180904I met Bruce DeRolf fall of 1966 we dated until late April 1967, he was truly a wonderful person i will always love and miss him.
Submitted by: Jackie Sinclair, I was a close friend of Bruce DeRolf, 20190102I had just shipped to WESPAC with some of my brother Marines from HMM-261 in New River. Specifically Gary Lee Brown from The Seattle area. The word came down of this incident while we were at Camp Pendleton. We heard that one of our squadron mates BONDAROWITZ was killed in this crash but he doesn’t appear in the casualty lists I’ve seen so I would presume he may have been one of the survivors. Now for the life of me, I can’t recall his first name as we only called him “BONDO”.
Does anyone have access to a list of survivors?
I was only 7 years of age when Uncle Leslie died, no one ever spoke about it; I wanted to know what happened to CPL Franklin Leslie Bell. Currently work for the military and understand the need for training; which is what I was doing when I went to find his burial location in Glen Haven Memorial Park, California. I also discovered other relatives along side him. Their memory does not fade from the eyes of their family, whom still can see them within the memories of days gone by. Proud to have served US Army; honored to have been part of a legacy that is willing to lay down ones life for the freedom of liberty and justice for all. A grateful niece, salutes. Blessed rest.
Submitted by: Traudel L. Haney, Niece, Uncle Leslie was my hero, even little ones , 20200730I was a young Corporal in the Crash Crew that morning in June when the alarms sounded and it was not a drill! Our duty section had relieved the prior duty section and most of our crew were involved with doing the PMs (Preventive Maintenance) on our MB-5 and MB-1 crash trucks. I was the Crew Chief on a MB-1 crew. When the alarms sounded, my crew was not finished putting the pumps back together so the decision was hastily made to spread my crew over a couple of other trucks and do it ASAP. I stayed back in the barn and finished work on the pumps. I finished in double quick time and a new crew was put together consisting of the Section Leader, the Truckmaster and a couple of other Marines. I drove down to the crash sites which were on the same road as our fire training area. The first crash we came to was the Huey. There were a couple of crash trucks there and the fire was out, so we proceeded to the H-53 site. Most of the fires were out and the H-53 was on its side, wheel struts facing my truck. The handline and rescue men, on my makeshift crew, were directed to use water instead of foam so as to wash off the foam so they could find the bodies more easily. A sight that Ill never forget. I noticed the H-53 tail rotor quite a long way off toward runway 23. A survivor was sitting, in a daze, to the left of my truck. We spent the rest of the day gathering the dead and we spoke very little. I have lost all memory beyond those first few minutes. Fridays were our usual fire training days but this was the real thing. I dont even remember any conversations between the Crash Crewman. That was a horrible morning but during my tour at New River Crash Crew, we were to have two more death accidents; a lone T28 and an off station crash of an H-46 and a couple of non-lethal accidents. I went on to Crash Crews at Futemna, Okinawa and El Toro, California. Its taken years to get over the bad dreams of that terrible June morning in 1967. God bless those Marines and their families.
Submitted by: Marty Young, Crew Chief MCAF, New River Crash Crew 1966-1968, 20201020Personal Recollection
It was a sad, sad day in my life when I learned Bruce had been killed
in the New River helicopter crash. Sad is putting it lightly. Did anybody know him?
Personal Recollection
I was very young and dumb at the time a very special guy went off to the Marines. When he told me he'd be gone for 15 months to Vietnam, I was beside myself as he had been the focus of my life for quite some time. When I learned he had been killed in the helicoptor crash in 1967, my world caved in around me. I still dream about him. He treated me better than any guy has treated me in my entire life and I will ALWAYS have a special place for him in my heart.
Submitted by: Karleen S. Malik, Ex-girlfriend, 20120803